Running a quaint bookshop in a quiet countryside far away from the bustling city life can feel like a dream for many. But in reality, most of us are stuck in the corporate grind, working 9-5, eyes glued to our laptop screens, juggling hectic schedules and barely having time to ourselves. But if you are in the mood for an escapade from the chaos of everyday life, then Scotland is the place to be. Reason? Wigtown, a tranquil town in the southwest region, allows travellers to run a bookshop for a week and even stay there on rent. Run a bookstore and read as many books as you wishThe Open Book bookstore in Wigtown is a paradise for bookworms that makes you feel like the main character in a novel. The town, which was crowned Scotland’s National Book Town in the late 1990s, features multiple bookshops and holds a popular literary festival every year. Visitors and book-lovers can indulge in a wholesome, behind-the-counter experience at The Open Book, where, like a book-seller, you can open your shop in the morning, arrange the shelves, greet customers and help them find the book of their choice, as per TravelPirates. Don’t worry if it feels too much at first, as a team of local volunteers will give you a helping hand, offering guidance on how to operate a traditional bookstore.More about The Open Book experience The perks do not end here. You can even live in a cosy apartment upstairs during your 1-week stay and, when free, explore the serene surroundings of Wigtown, comprising rugged coastlines, emerald-green forests, historic castles, and azure pastures. Strolling through the cobbled streets will take you to the Southern Upland Way pass, fitted with whisky distilleries, cycling paths, rural villages and nature reserves - perfect to indulge in a slow lifestyle, even if temporarily. The rent travellers pay funds the bookstore and proceeds from book sales go toward the town’s book festival. According to a report by DW, the humble initiative was launched by American writer Jessica Fox in 2015, who came to Wigtown as a visitor and stayed for the town’s pristine beauty. Due to its high demand, The Open Book requires prior booking. At present, the independent bookstore is fully booked through the end of 2027, reported TravelPirates.