Shop Spotlight: Our Gourock Shops

The Wee Bookshop

The Wee Bookshop, opened by Ardgowan Hospice just a year ago, has quickly become a must-visit spot in Gourock. With its inviting atmosphere and wide selection of books, the shop has established itself as a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.

Celebrating Hospice Care Week

This year, as part of Hospice Care Week, the focus is on Retail, offering a great opportunity to highlight what makes the Wee Bookshop so special. To explore the magic of this charming store, we spoke with two people who know it best: a dedicated volunteer and a supervisor, both of whom share a deep connection with the shop.

Meet Myra: A Long-Time Volunteer

Myra has been volunteering with Ardgowan Hospice for 14 years and dedicates one day a week to the Wee Bookshop. Alongside her role at the shop, she also assists the hospice’s finance team.

When asked about her experience and what makes the bookshop unique, Myra shared, “The bookshop fits beautifully into the atmosphere of Kempock Street. People can grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés and then pop in to discover a treasure trove of books.

“There are so many genres to choose from. You’d have to be very unlucky not to find something that interests you.

“We have our regulars, some of whom come in just for the warm and welcoming environment. I hope we provide that experience for everyone who walks through the door.

“There’s a sign on the wall that calls this our ‘happy place,’ and I can honestly say it’s mine. There’s never a day when I don’t feel like it’s my favourite place to be.

“I used to work in a library, so being surrounded by books brings me joy and a sense of excitement. It’s truly the best place in the world for me.

“The customers always brighten my day. You never know who you’ll meet or what stories they’ll share. That’s what makes the whole thing so interesting. It makes every single day unique, and I love it.”

Carolina: A Supervisor’s Love for the Wee Bookshop

Carolina, a bank supervisor at the hospice for over three years, works across most of the shops in the Ardgowan Hospice family. For her, the Wee Bookshop holds a special place in her heart.

“I love working in the hospice shops, and the bookshop is one of my favourites,” Carolina shared. “It’s such a pleasant environment to spend time in, and the volunteers are what make it so special.

“One of our volunteers knits for different occasions throughout the year, creating Christmas baubles or Halloween pumpkins, which are always a hit. It’s heartwarming to see everyone contribute in their own way to support the hospice.”

A Place of Heart and Community

The Wee Bookshop is more than just a bookstore. It’s a place where volunteers, customers, and staff come together to create a warm, welcoming community space. Whether it’s the joy of finding the perfect book or the personal connections made between visitors and volunteers, the Wee Bookshop continues to offer a special experience for all who walk through its doors.

Kempock Street – Gourock

At Ardgowan Hospice, our Gourock shop is more than just a place to find quality goods – it’s a lifeline for the vital work we do. Every time you visit, you’re helping to support a cause that is at the heart of everything we do: providing compassionate care for those in Inverclyde facing life-limiting illnesses.

For years, we have been here for patients and their families, offering essential care and support during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Our services ensure that no one has to face their journey alone. As a charity, we depend on the generosity of our local community to continue this work, and that’s where you come in.

By shopping with us, you’re making a real difference in the lives of the people we care for. Together, we can continue to provide the essential services that mean so much to our patients and their families.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or loved ones, your purchase makes a real impact. Every penny goes toward ensuring that we can continue offering our care to those who need it most.

Donate and Make a Difference

If you have items at home that are still in good condition but no longer needed, donating to the Gourock shop is another way to make a meaningful contribution. Your donations – whether it’s clothing, homeware, toys, or books – are turned into much-needed funds for the hospice. By donating, you not only give your items a new lease on life but also play a direct role in helping us support individuals and families in our community during difficult times.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff take great care in preparing donated items for sale, ensuring they are presented in the best possible condition. Every sale helps fund the specialized care and support that Ardgowan Hospice is known for.

Help Spread the Word

Even if you don’t shop, donate, or volunteer, you can still help Ardgowan Hospice by spreading the word about the Gourock shop and the work we do. Share our story with friends and family, follow us on social media, and encourage others to support the hospice in whatever way they can.

Together, we can ensure that Ardgowan Hospice continues to provide the essential services that so many in our community rely on during their most challenging moments. Your support makes all the difference.

Gift Aid

Did you know that you can increase the value of your donation to Ardgowan Hospice by 25% at no extra cost? By simply saying ‘yes’ to Gift Aid, every £1 you donate becomes £1.25, helping us provide more care and support to families who need us most.

Carolina, the bank supervisor, said: “Gift Aid supports the hospice a lot, allowing it to provide essential care without any additional cost to those who donate. It doesn’t cost a penny for the people, yet it makes a world of difference to the hospice.”

“Through Gift Aid, the hospice can make extra money from every donation, maximising the impact of each contribution.”


Opening Times

The Wee Bookshop is open between 11am-4pm on a Monday and 10am-4pm from Tuesday-Saturday, with the Kempock Street shop being open Monday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. Come along and see what hidden gems you can find!


How you can volunteer

If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, why not consider volunteering at our Gourock shop or the Wee Bookshop? Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the community, meet new people, and learn new skills. Plus, every hour you give helps to keep our shop running smoothly and supports the hospice in its mission.

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always looking for more people to join our friendly team. Whether you have a few hours a week or can commit to a regular schedule, we’d love to hear from you.

To volunteer in our bookshop or any of the other shops that we have, please get in touch via email at volunteering@ardgowanhospice.org for more information.

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