About us

Based in sunny Scotland, McLaren Books has positioned itself as one of the foremost UK book dealers in rare, out-of-print and secondhand maritime books and other material (printed & manuscript) covering every aspect of nautical history; we have built up an enviable reputation since first opening our doors to discerning book collectors back in 1976, and have developed a strong international clientele.

Our stock contains nearly 4,000 catalogued items covering Naval History, the Merchant Navy, the Fishing Industry, Shipbuilding, Sailing Ships, Shipwrecks, Yachting and Small Boat Sailing, and many other branches of literature on ships and the sea.

In addition to our wide-range of maritime books, we also offer a selection of books on Scotland and its history.

We also buy books, though these days have to be very selective, but we’re still interested to hear of any suitable items

McLaren Books are past members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association and Honorary Life Members of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association

THE SHOP

Sadly, the shop is no longer open.  Still, thirty five plus years of running a shop - in three different Helensburgh locations  -  albeit with somewhat erratic hours latterly, isn't a bad bookselling record.