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seahorse bookstore
Seahorse Bookstore is more than a bookshop—it’s a sanctuary.
Nestled in North Ayrshire, Scotland, we opened in August 2021 as the only new-books bookstore in our county, a place shaped by history, generational trauma, and resilience.
From the moment you step inside our shop, you feel the vibrant energy of the books. We love to hear the sighs of happiness when people look around, and to see the looks of joy when they find the perfect read.
We believe in tangible magic— the weight of a real book in your hands, the power of a story to change your life. Our community is our heartbeat.
We’ll never forget the elderly woman who wept with joy on our opening day:
"I can’t believe I lived to see a bookshop
in our own wee toon!"
That moment stays with us, because, in a world of screens and quick clicks, a bookstore is still a creative watering hole - it's a place that brings everyone together.
We host book clubs, music nights, children's events, and creative gatherings - each one a spark, igniting imagination and connection.
Books are bridges connecting people and cultures. Stories create empathy. Empathy changes the world.
At Seahorse, we awaken the imagination—
because when you can imagine a different future,
you can create one.
Testimonials
Thank you - you are my sanctuary.
Marilyn
An oasis.
Jackie
You are a beacon of light in this community!
Ruth
join our community
ARE YOU local?
Come on in - experience the magic of the bookstore! Message our Facebook page to order any book to the shop for next-day, in-shop delivery!
Do you like books or puzzles?
Order your books, journals, and puzzles through our magic portal on Bookshop.org!
Do you like to read?
Be part of our beautiful community of readers from anywhere in the world by joining our online bookclub, come to monthly online book discussions and our quarterly creative gathering online!
Do you like to write?
Be part of our beautiful community of writers from anywhere in the world by joining our online writing club, come to monthly online writing discussions and our quarterly creative gathering online!
do you like to listen?
Stream your audiobooks through Seahorse for only £7.99 per month!
do you WANT TO RENT OUR BEAUTIFUL SPACE?
Email [email protected] to rent our gorgeous space for the ultimate date night or atmospheric event space! Check our calendar for availability.
Testimonials
What a delight the Seahorse Bookstore is!
I found this absolute gem quite by accident when heading into Ardrossan. An absolutely fabulous independent bookstore with a great selection of books including fiction, crime, and local as well as an extensive children’s selection.
The only thing better than the books here are the staff. Molly and Gordon work tirelessly to support both their customers and the local community. Nothing is too much trouble. They are always able to suggest good titles and the orders come in very promptly.
Also offering hot drinks and seahorse biscuits along with comfy sofas.
Please if you haven’t yet been do go and try it out for yourself in sunny Ardrossan on Sea.
ANDREA
I have now been in the shop a couple of times and I must say I have enjoyed each visit. So much so that I am going to attend the book club, a first for me. It’s brilliant that Ardrossan has this little gem tucked in the marina.
The staff go above and beyond to help with the shop offering a wide variety of books. A loyalty scheme is also available. This shop is a must for book lovers. Instead of purchasing online this shop offers everything you want and expect from a good old, proper, family run bookstore.
MAXINE
The best bookshop in Ayrshire! I love coming to this bookshop and Molly and Gordon are always so friendly and helpful. They run an amazing book club every fortnight and have some really fun events. They have a huge variety of books, but if there is ever anything you would like in particular they are always able to order it to the shop for you. I would definitely recommend Seahorse Bookshop it to all :)
TAYLOR
Join the seahorse bookclub online!
1st Thursday Discussions, 6:30 - 7:30 PM GMT,
via Zoom, hosted by FlowMagic, Ltd.
JOIN THE SEAHORSE writing club ONLINE
3rd Thursday Discussions, 6:30 - 7:30 PM GMT,
via Zoom, hosted by FlowMagic, Ltd.
Testimonials
A couple of ours suggested having their engagement photoshoot at one of their favourite places... Seahorse Bookstore. Great place! So accommodating. Hard not to leave with a pile of books.
SCOTT
This is a beautiful, well stocked shop and I’d encourage everyone to support it! Lovely children’s books and a great selection for adults too.
PAM
Love this wee bookstore. It’s got such a calm and relaxed atmosphere, the staff are friendly and helpful and there’s a great selection of books beautifully displayed. There are some lovely gifts too. It’s like a hopeful glimpse into what the town could be, with beautiful wee shops like this. Look forward to visiting the bookstore when I’m back in my hometown.
RACHEL
you're invited... to BE PART OF OUR SEAHORSE COMMUNITY!
LOCAL BOOKCLUBS
2nd & 4th Thursdays,
6;30 - 8:30 pm
Buy the book through Seahorse to Join
ONLINE BOOKCLUB
3rd Thursdays
6:30 - 7:30 pm, GMT
Zoom
Click the image to join!
MUSIC NIGHTS
Every Tuesday
6:00 - 8:00 pm
LOCAL SEAHORSE CIRCLE
An intimate night of gathering to celebrate the written word
5th Thursdays,
6;30 - 8:30 pm
ONLINE SEAHORSE CIRCLE
1st Sundays,
6:30 - 7:30 pm, GMT
Zoom
ONLINE WRITING CLUB
1st Thursdays,
6:30 - 7:30 pm, GMT
on Zoom
AUTHORS
Occasional but awesome.
Stay posted via emails and our social media channels!
MUSICIANS
Occasional but awesome! Stay posted via emails and our social media channels!
ONLINE EVENTS
Occasional but awesome! Stay posted via emails and on our social media channels!
RENT OUR BEAUTIFUL SPACE
3 Rooms; a variety of tables, 20 chairs + sofas.
Check calendar for availability, email, or call.
Testimonials
Visited for the first time today and I was not disappointed! The staff member who helped me was extremely helpful and friendly. There was a huge variety of books from fantasy to contemporary to classics I’m sure you could find just about anything within the store. There was such an amazing selection of books and I even spotted some brand new releases, not to mention there were many diverse books and lgbtq+ books to choose from! I cannot wait to visit again and would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to support a local bookstore!
SHANNON
Honestly love this wee bookstore and everyone that works there are so lovely! I love supporting local businesses and even more so since its an adorable wee bookstore! When we go for our monthly shop I always go in... and always walk out with a new book with the cute little seahorse bookstore stamp inside my front cover. Thank you!!
DEBRA
Beautiful vibe, staff and books!
EMILY
The Seahorse Bookstore Is amazing, just what was greatly needed. The staff are amazing, I really appreciate Molly and.Gordon and the work they do. This shop has made a difference in my life! The book club is amazing and rekindled.my love of.reading. The atmosphere is so peaceful and.welcoming. If you have not been in please pop in and see the amazing selection of.books!
JILL
This Bookstore has the best people, the best energy and the most beautiful selection of books! There's something for everyone! Bringing together the community by hosting music evenings, book groups and so much more! A light in Ardrossan, that will help you find your own
CLAIRE
Beautiful shop, excellent choice of books. Had a lovely chat with the owner, I'm going to buy my books here from now on instead of Amazon (Go fly, Jeff!). Very worth a visit, people, can highly recommend!
CLARE
MEET THE OWNERS
THE MURRAY FAMILY
GORDON is the pastor of Anchor Church, and the director and manager of Seahorse. His favourite reads include The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. He's also known to pick up a Jack Reacher novel now and again!
MOLLY helps visionary creative leaders write books, achieve goals, and create impact & legacy with focus & flow through her own company, FlowMagic, Ltd. She is a Creative Mentor & Rapid Transformational Therapy practitioner, and organises events at Seahorse. Molly hosts the Online Bookclub & Online Writing Club through FlowMagic, Ltd. She loves a good historical fiction read like The Muse by Jessie Burton, or a thoughtful fantasy like Piranesi by Susanna Clark.
JACK is our resident YouTube specialist. He recommends the WarriorCats Series by Erin Hunter and The Odd1s Out by James Rallison.
PUGGIELOCKS is our team mascot. She enjoys the Pugicorn Series by Matilda Rose, and recommends getting loads of good books because they mean loads of cosy times and cuddles.
FAQS
What kind of books do you sell?
We sell new books! We also have 1 shelf of gently read, recycled books.
Can I order a book?
Yes! You can order in any new book. We can usually get it in the next day! If you order it on Saturday, then expect it on Monday or Tuesday.
Do you take used books?
Not in most cases! We take gently read recycled books that are in beautiful condition. If you are looking to declutter your collection of used books, we suggest bringing them to the Cancer Care Centre or another charity.
I'm an artist! Will you sell my work?
We love to collaborate with local artists!
If you can answer YES to these questions and want to share your art or craftwork through Seahorse, please come in the shop to have a chat.
-Are you already an active member of the Seahorse Community?
-Do you have strong ties and connections in the local area?
-Are you actively promoting your own work?
-Do you have a community of people who are eager to buy your work?
We require a 40% commission on all art and craftwork.
We have invested a lot to make our shop a beautiful space, and our shelf space is highly prized.
I'm a writer! Will you sell my book?
We love to collaborate with local writers!
If you can answer YES to these questions and want to share your book through Seahorse, please come in the shop to have a chat.
-Are you already an active member of the Seahorse Community?
-Do you have strong ties and connections in the local area?
-Is your book available through Gardner's, our wholesaler?
-Are you actively promoting your book?
-Do you have a community of readers who are eager to buy your book?
We require a 40% commission on books through a publisher. We require a 50% commission on self-published books and buy through the author because there is extra labour involved in the process.
We only put in orders to our own distributor. We only carry 1 copy of any particular book at any certain point, unless it is a very special occasion, such as an author event.
We have invested a lot to make our shop a beautiful space, and our shelf space is highly prized.
I'm a self-published writer! Will you sell my book?
We love to collaborate with local writers!
If you can answer YES to these questions and want to share your book through Seahorse, please come in the shop to have a chat.
-Are you already an active member of the Seahorse Community?
-Do you have strong ties and connections in the local area?
Are you actively promoting your book?
-Do you have a community of readers who are eager to buy your book?
We require a 50% commission on self-published books and buy through the author because there is extra labour involved in the process.
We only put in orders to our own distributor. We only carry 1 copy of any particular book at any certain point, unless it is a very special occasion, such as an author event.
We have invested a lot to make our shop a beautiful space, and our shelf space is highly prized.
I'm an artist or author! Will you feature my work/book on social media?
If your work aligns with the ethos of our shop, we might give it a shout-out! If you stop in to sign a copy, we probably will, because we love to share our community life.
We don't generally plan these posts, however, and never appreciate people asking for this.
I'm an author! Will you host my book launch?
We love to collaborate with local writers! Hosting a book launch requires a lot of extra energy, and we need to know that it is a balanced exchange. We have invested a lot to create a beautiful space and we love a good event.
If you can answer YES to these questions and want to launch your book through Seahorse, please come in the shop to have a chat.
-Are you already an active member of the Seahorse Community?
-Do you have strong ties and connections in the local area?
-Is your book available through Gardner's, our wholesaler?
-Are you actively promoting your book?
-Do you have a community of readers who are eager to buy your book?
Very VERY rarely, we will host a launch for a self-published author because they are 1.) Not selling through the Big A, and 2.) just so beautifully aligned with our ethos.
Every author we host ALWAYS needs to be actively promoting their book and have a community of readers who is eager to buy through us!
We require a 40% commission on books through a publisher, and 50% commission on self-published books.
We generally host author events on Saturday afternoons at 3:00 pm,.
If your book isn't a good fit for us to launch, we will still be happy to rent you the space at the usual rate, £50 for 2 hours.
I'm an artist! Will you host my art event?
We love to collaborate with local artists!
Hosting an art event requires a lot of extra energy, and we need to know that it is a balanced exchange. We have invested a lot to create a beautiful space and we love a good event.
If you can answer YES to these questions and want to host an art event through Seahorse, please come in the shop to have a chat.
-Are you already an active member of the Seahorse Community?
-Do you have strong ties and connections in the local area?
-Are you actively promoting your art?
-Do you have a community who is eager to buy your work?
We are open to creative events and opportunities for artists because they are just so beautifully aligned with our ethos.. In the past, this usually looks like a "Meet the Artist" event during normal store hours,
Every artist we host ALWAYS needs to be actively promoting their work and have a community who is eager to buy through us!
We require a 40% commission on artwork.
If an event isn't a good fit for us to host, we will still be happy to rent you the space at the usual rate, £50 for 2 hours.
I want to join your local bookclub! How do I join?
Just buy the book through us! Your book is your ticket.
I want to join the online book club! How do I join?
Join through the link above! Your membership is your ticket.
We encourage everyone to buy the book through us, however, we understand that you might want to support your local bookshop!
-If you're in the UK, we do encourage you to buy the book through us via the link at the top of the page for our portal on Bookshop. org.
What kind of books do you read in the Book Club?
2nd Thursday Book Club (Local): Nonfiction & thrillers - mostly.
4th Thursday Book Club (Local): General fiction - mostly.
3rd Thursday Book Club (Online): TBD.
In general, we look for evocative books that inspire deep thoughts and good discussion.
I want to rent your space!
Wonderful!
In the past, people have rented the space to host private book launches and community meetings, music classes, and other gatherings.
One couple hosted a gorgeous photo shoot with us to celebrate their engagement! Another couple is planning to get married here next year.
We think Seahorse would be a fabulous place for a romantic date night!
We can arrange to open the shop for private events - check our calendar for availability. £50 for 2 hours.
Lovely Ardrossan Flat ON AIR B&B
Rent our lovely Ardrossan flat through Air B&B. Just off Glasgow Street, a 5 minute walk from the North Beach!
ANCHOR CHURCH
Anchor Church is an evangelical group of Christians in Ardrossan, Scotland.
Led by Rev. Gordon Murray.
fLOWMAGIC, LTD.
Find focus and flow to write books, achieve goals, and create impact through the power of Rapid Transformational Therapy with Molly Murray.
Stopped here when we missed our train connection with the Ferry.
It's a lovely bookshop with a wide range of interesting books and some art from local artists. The space is divided into different rooms with fiction being in one, non fiction in another etc. All laid out well and eminently browsable. The owner will happily order any book you like in at short notice. There also appears to be a good range of book related activities (book clubs etc).
Definitely worth a visit.
SANDY
An absolute gem of a book store in Ardrossan, which is right next to Asda. Met one of the owners Gordon, who showed me round the place. A great space to study, and find new books to read! Looking forward to my next visit already. Thank you. :)
RACHEL
Never have I been so happy to come across a bookshop.
First of all, the selection of books is excellent - from classic literature, to good quality poetry and modern writing (in beautiful hardback editions). I have been very well advised by the shopkeeper on what to take (and devoured the book in less than three days).
Secondly, the atmosphere is very cosy, and the bookshop is situated only minutes away from the ferry terminal.
EMILIE
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