Historic bookshop to close after 144 years

The Innes family has run the book shop through the generations

A bookshop famed for its ornate oak frontage has announced its closure after more than 140 years.

J&G Innes will shut its doors for good on Hogmanay having been run by the same family in St Andrews since 1879.

The store attracted Hollywood royalty to its distinctive hand-carved exterior and became a staple of the town.

Owner Jude Innes said she wanted to retire in order to spend time with her family.

The shop was reimagined in the Liberty Style in 1927 at the request of Jude's grandfather

A statement thanking customers for their support appeared online over the weekend.

Jude said it had been a tough decision to walk away from the shop, but added she felt it was “the right time”.

She said: “The shop has been passed down through four generations on my father’s side.

“But me and my sisters felt the time was right. We all have families and loved ones we want to spend time with.

“I’m not sure what happens to our iconic building now.”

The ornate oak carvings include depictions of the West Port gate in St Andrews

Her great-great-grandfather, George, opened the store with brother John 144 years ago – before Arthur Conan Doyle had even published his first short story.

John founded the St Andrews Citizen newspaper at the building having bought the Tullis family's printing and publishing business.

The name of the newspaper remains prominent in the store's livery, leading it to be known locally as "The Citizen Shop".

Liberty style

Jude began working at the shop in 1996 following the death of her father.

The timber façade was installed by her grandfather, WG Innes, in 1927 in tribute to his love of the Arts and Crafts movement.

He commissioned architects Walker and Pride to reimagine the shop in the Liberty style.

The renovations took more than five years to compete, but made the building a popular attraction in the town.

Jude recalled it even caught the eye of one prominent actor on a trip to the town.

She said: “There have been a few famous faces in over the years, but the one that stands out was Tom Hanks.

“I looked up to see him poring over our pen counter. I think it was when his daughter was at university here.

“We just exchanged a polite smile and I left him in peace, I didn’t want to disturb him.”

In recent years, the bookshop has played host to an art gallery on its upper floor.

It remains to be seen whether the building stays in use as a shop after J&G Innes moves out.