THE myths and legends of the Granny Kempock stone are at the heart of a debut novel by a Gourock-born writer.

Retired businessman Nigel Rennie, who grew up in the town, is returning to his roots to tell a story about the folklore around the historic landmark.

The 70-year-old uses the stone, rumoured to have healing powers, to go delve into the past with Granny Kempock 'Trust is no Stranger to Fiction'.

Nigel says he has had a long fascination with the mysterious stone which has grown since he moved to England.

Now his adventure story, centred around the facts and fiction of the artefact, has gathered a following from as far afield as South America.

Nigel, who has relocated to Berkshire, said: "I have been fascinated by the mystery of the Granny Kempock stone and I use it in the book to tell the story of Scotland's past.

"There are so many myths around the stone and the book seems to have captured people's imagination. It has been very popular locally in Gourock, but I have also sold copies in Germany and across South America."

Growing up in Cove Road, Nigel, who still has family in the town, was always aware of the landmark.

With links to witchcraft, pagan Gods and a superstition involving sailors walking around it seven times to keep them safe, the stone was a perfect hook for Nigel to spin a story.

His tale explores the Battle of Flodden in 1513 where King James IV, who is rumoured to have kissed the stone, led the Scots into conflict with the English. It also weaves in other local historical figures and locations like Sir Patrick Maxwell and Newark Castle.

Now staying in Berkshire, Nigel is looking back to his childhood for inspiration for his new found love of writing.

He said: "I really love writing and I want to do more from my home town."

Nigel is looking next at writing a book about the Clyde-built steamers.

The international businessman has run companies both at home and abroad before settling in the south England with his wife Martha and their three grown up sons.

Nigel, who lived in Golf Road and Iona Crescent, added: "I have been away a long time but I love coming back home to Gourock. I still have family living in the town and we love visiting."

Granny Kempock 'Trust is not Strangers to Fiction' is available on Amazon and or visit Nigel's website on www.grannykempock.com