THE owner of a children’s book shop in Kilmacolm has said a fond farewell to the village as she moves her shop to a new area.

Aileen Jeffrey, who opened The Ginger Cat in 2021, is moving her much loved business to Bridge of Weir to share premises with an existing shop, Tryptych Studios.

The former NHS health visitor has held a variety of events at local schools during the year and a half her shop has been open, and also recently started collecting money to gift books to needy children.

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She told the Telegraph that while she loved working in Kilmacolm, low footfall had played a part in her decision to move.

Greenock Telegraph: Ginger Cat Bookshop set to leave Kilmacolm

She said: “The village has been quiet, there are so many issues like cost of living and prices of everything going up.

“The village has been quite quiet, things like the car park don’t help and then there are the roadworks.

“I’ve got a letter through this week to say that there are more roadworks in Kilmacolm coming so that’s going to cause issues with traffic.

“But it’s been fantastic being here, I don’t regret opening in Kilmacolm.

“People now know my brand and when they talk about The Ginger Cat they recognise it as the bookshop.

“I’ve had so many returning customers and when I said that I was moving a lot of people got in touch to say how glad they were that we weren’t closing.

“Everybody that’s been coming to the bookshop has said they will still come through to Bridge of Weir.

“I should be able to do even more work with the schools at the new place, as being in with someone else means that if I go out, I won’t have to shut the shop.”

Greenock Telegraph: Tryptych Studios, Bridge of Weir

Aileen says that the outpouring of support she has had since she announced her plans to move has been overwhelming.

She added: “I got a lovely wee message from a mum saying how good the bookshop has been for her kids and how it’s fostered a love of reading for them. That’s what it’s all about.

“I want to say a big thanks to everyone who has supported the bookshop, I’ve had so many returning customers.

“We’ve got a great relationship with the local schools, Kilmacolm Primary has been great.

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“I just want to encourage everyone to shop local when they can, there are so many good things that small businesses can bring to local communities.

“The experience of coming into a shop and actually having things to look at is very special.

“I’d contemplated closing and I’m glad I’ve decided not to do that. I think I’ve made the right decision.”