Tucked just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Scottish Poetry Library is a sanctuary for Scotland’s poetic voice. Since 1984, it has welcomed readers into its award-winning building — described as “a poem in glass and stone” — with the simple aim of bringing people and poems together. Whether you’re browsing the shelves, enjoying a reading nook, or attending one of its many public events, the Library makes poetry feel both timeless and utterly present. It’s a place that quiets the bustle of the city and invites you to pause, reflect, and discover something unexpected.
The Scottish Poetry Library’s old website was no longer doing justice to the vibrancy of the organisation or the richness of its collections. The design felt tired and lacked the charm and character that should accompany a cultural institution of this kind. Navigation was clunky, making it harder for visitors to discover poems, browse events, or learn how to support the Library. The structure wasn’t serving users well, and it left the overall experience feeling flat and uninspiring.
We reimagined the website with a fresh design inspired by traditional poetry typography, giving the Library’s online presence a timeless yet modern feel. The site’s structure was completely overhauled to improve flow and create a more intuitive journey, helping users explore poetry, find events, and engage with the Library’s work more easily. A brand-new ecommerce shop was introduced to support sales, alongside a dedicated Members area to foster deeper connections with the community. The finished website is both elegant and functional, breathing new life into the Library’s digital home and making it a pleasure for visitors to use.
