A NEW independent book shop opened in the Scottish Borders on Saturday April 1.

Heron & Willow has taken over the shop formerly occupied by Vee Bee’s on Canongate in Jedburgh.

And along with a range of lovely books, they also sell records and some other handpicked bits and pieces.

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Ahead of the official opening, one of Scotland’s most popular authors, Ian Rankin tweeted the news to his 212.5k followers on Twitter and the shop was jam packed.

Owner Dean Freeman said: Our opening day was wonderful; we had hundreds of people through the door and we got a lot of compliments for our range of books.

“We're not the biggest bookshop in the world, so we try to pick out interesting things from new fiction to cookery books, graphic novels, vinyl and a spacious kids section.

“It was great seeing families enjoying themselves and the kids discovering our secret reading nook.

“The good thing about being a smaller shop is that our stock will change on a weekly basis, so we hope there's good reason for people to pop in time and time again, even if it's just to browse.

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“We're going to get settled in over the next few months and will then look at some events and activities.

“I really want Heron & Willow to be a place where people young and old come to create and make things, and share their stories.

“I'd also like to shout out to our amazing friend Erica (aged 10) who made a spectacular book cake. It was so good, a few people thought it was real and tried to open it! “