Popular children's book based on Greenock boat captain hits the airwaves

The adventures of Captain Bobo 'Bananas' and other titles have been turned into a ten-part radio series.

Former TV producer and businesswoman Kay Hutchison collaborated with illustrator Matt Rowe to create a story book featuring tales from the career of her dad Robin 'Hurricane' Hutchison, who died two years ago.

The captain was one of CalMac's longest serving skippers and used to tell his daughter all kinds of tales from life at sea.

Now those stories will be broadcast to young audiences all over the country in English and Gaelic.

Kay, who has worked for Channel Five, Disney and other stations, said: "This is an exciting time for us.

"We are really looking forward to being able to share Captain Bobo’s stories with a wider audience.

"We are particularly pleased to be producing a Gaelic version as many of the crew my father sailed with were from the Western Isles.

"I know he would be delighted we are able to honour them in this way.”

The programmes will be narrated by both Largs actor John Sessions and Uist-born Gillebride Macmillan.

Gillebride, who starred in Outlander, said: "The moment I heard about the series I wanted to be involved.

"The stories are funny and they also celebrate our proud sea-going heritage."

Kay's own company Belle Media have been awarded funds to produce the10-part radio series of the Captain Bobo children’s books.

The series will be broadcast this autumn on national children’s radio station Fun Kids plus a number of independent radio stations around the country.

The production is being supported by the Audio Content Fund, which is financed by the UK Government to create original, public service content.

The series was written by R.D Dikstra and Kay, inspired by the iconic PS Waverley, the world’s last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer, and the tales told by Kay’s father, who was one of the youngest captains to serve on the Firth of Clyde and worked there for over 40 years.