ONE of Gourock's most familiar faces says the best bit about his career is making people smile. 

Kenny Wilson  is known as one half of folk band The Wherries, and was a dedicated Scout leader for five decades. 

The grandfather-of-three is still very much involved in Scouting across Greenock and has been at the helm of the ever-popular Gang Show for around 20 years. 

Kenny, 73, said bringing his two loves together in the bi-annual music, dance, and comedy spectacular gives him a huge amount of joy. 

He said: "I get a real buzz out of seeing folk really enjoying themselves and singing along. 

"I love the joy of being on stage and seeing folk reacting to you."

Kenny was born in Greenock in 1951 and lived in the tenements next to Cappielow, so there was no doubt about him becoming a Morton fan. 

He was brought up in Larkfield and attended Larkfield Primary and The Mount School, leaving with four O-Grades. 

Kenny worked his way up the Scouting ranks after joining the 33rd Braeside Scouts. (Image: Newsquest) Kenny joined 33rd Braeside Scouts when he was about eight years old and worked his way up the ranks. 

He was a Skipper for 40 years before taking on the title of assistant district commissioner, then district commissioner. 

Kenny is now honorary group Scout leader of the 33rd. and is on the board of trustees for Greenock and District Scouts. 

He said being part of the Scouts helps young people develop a whole range of skills. 

Kenny added: "It gives you a sense of belonging, a sense of discipline, and you find out about friendship. 

"A lot of the boys still keep in touch. 

"They call me Skipper, and we reminisce and talk about how the Scouts helped shape their lives. 

"These men started out as boys from Braeside thinking that nothing would happen in their lives. 

"A lot of them now have amazing careers, and getting the leadership skills in the Scouts gave them such a boost."

In 2014, Kenny received The Silver Wolf award for 'exceptional service to Scouting' in a ceremony at Dunblane Cathedral, which he said is his 'biggest honour to date'. 

He said he's thankful that the Scouts have taken him all around the globe. 

Kenny added: "There's so much diversity. 

"I've met so many inspirational people and made friends all over the world."

After he left school, Kenny started working as a ship's design draughtsman at the age of 17, then became the technical instructor at Lithgow's shipyard. 

After gaining a qualification in industrial management from James Watt College, he was a production manager at National Semiconductor and then at Compaq, before becoming a professional musician and entertainer in 2010.

The Wherries started life in 1986 and are still a favourite with audiences acrosss Inverclyde and beyond. (Image: Newsquest) The Wherries started life in 1986, with Kenny playing alongside Dave Currie and Robert Platt. 

After Robert sadly passed away in 2007, Dave and Kenny kept the music playing in his memory. 

Their pbeat tunes and Clydeside humour have taken The Wherries all over the world as far afield as Singapore, Indonesia, and America. 

Kenny said one of the most amazing experiences was playing in front of a 65-piece orchestra on stage in Texas. 

He added: "They were the best backing band in the world!

"We're fortunate to still be getting standing ovations. It's great to get a good sing-along with a bit of music and mirth."

As well as being one half of The Wherries, Kenny plays solo gigs in care homes all over Inverclyde and beyond. 

In 2018, Kenny was made a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International for his outstanding work in the community, and last year, he received the 'senior citizen' honour at the Inspirational Inverclyde Awards.

Kenny married his sweetheart Janet in Gourock Baptist Church, and the pair were married for 30 years before Janet sadly passed away. 

Kenny is still an active member of the church, and said he takes great comfort in his strong Christian faith. 

The couple have two children, Kiera and Kyle, and three grandchildren, Kai, Kaern, and Koah. 

Kenny performed in his first Scouts Gang Show aged just 12, and has been a producer and writer for the variety showcase for the last 20 years. 

The Greenock and District show is now thought to be one of the best in the UK. 

Kenny's son, Kyle, is producing and directing the show for the first time this year, with Kenny as executive producer, and around 140 people will be involved. 

Kenny said he couldn't get the show together without the great team around him.

He added: "I love the camaraderie. 

"Parents come up to me and tell me that being in the Gang Show has brought their sons and daughters right out of themselves. 

"People who have performed in it have gone on to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and become professional singers. 

"It's a great grounding for people. You can't buy that kind of experience.

"Having a full chorus and hearing more than 100 people all singing together in harmony is a great buzz."

* The Greenock Scouts Let’s Go Gang Show 2024 runs from November 12 to 16 at Beacon Arts Centre. 

To book visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/let-s-go-gang-show-2024.