A new record shop in Linlithgow has been named January’s ‘Record Store of the month’ by vinyl gift card company, Record Tokens.
Low Port Music has only been open for six months, but is already beginning to see a steady stream of locals and visitors alike.
Opening in June of 2021, the record store is the only independent shop in West Lothian dedicated entirely to vinyl records.
Record tokens serve as a gift card for hundreds of independent record shops around the UK, and the company celebrates independent high street stores with their monthly awards.
Linlithgow saw more people buy the Record Tokens than any other participating independent record store in Scotland.
The owner of Low Port Music, Chris Corry, attributes it to the town’s reputation as a premiere destination for specialist shops.
Chris spoke about running the business on Linlithgow’s High Street, he said: “It’s been great so far - I’ve only been here since June and already I’ve seen so much support from the local community.
“I feel like vinyl records are popular again after lockdown as people begin to appreciate physical media more, probably bringing down their old record players from the loft during quarantine.
“The physical space of the record shop is great as well, having that atmosphere for people to come in and browse and relax, or even meet someone and have a chat.”
Corry went on to speak about why he thought Low Port Music won the title from Record Tokens, he said: “I’ve spent the last six months building up the music selection - now I know we’re a small shop, but it is packed with records.
“I like to think we appeal to all ages and tastes - I get all sorts of locals, visitors, and even regulars coming in from the community, from 12-13 year olds buying Taylor Swift albums to older boys browsing classic rock after being dropped off by their wives to go shopping.
“We’re only as successful as the local community allows us to be, and Linlithgow is a very supportive town that gets behind local businesses.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
