The annual autumn sale for Christian Aid at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, Edinburgh, opens on Tuesday October 18.

The sale, a spin-off from the famous Christian Aid Week sale at the church, focuses on art and Scottish books. It has normally taken place over a weekend, but this year has expanded to five days.

The sale includes works by eminent artists from across Scotland and the UK, including Douglas Davies, Richard Demarco, Carola Gordon, Sir John Leighton, Brent Millar and Ann Oram.

There is also a painting by Edinburgh artist Nancy Brackett, one of the first woman elders ordained at St Andrew’s Church, who donated the first books for the church’s Christian Aid sale in 1973.

The Scottish books section offers more than 3000 volumes, including signed first editions and collectable out-of-print titles. The Christian Aid sale at the church, believed to be the largest charity book sale in the world, celebrates its 50th year this year. Over £2m has been raised altogether, £1m in the last decade alone. The sale of pictures now contributes significantly to that total, raising £15,000 in 2020 despite Covid restrictions, and £21,000 last year. Sale convener Mary Davidson writes: “Because of the enormity of the problems now facing the poorest countries in the world, we must surely be motivated to increase our giving. In October there will be another great opportunity to do so.”

The sale at the George Street church will run from Tuesday October 18 – Saturday 22, from 10am-5pm (closing at 7pm on Thursday and 3pm on Saturday). There will also be a coffee morning with jewellery and gifts from 10am-noon on the Saturday.