A 73-year-old Largs grandmother is giving it ‘laldy’ after she achieved a lifetime ambition by publishing her first novel.

Anne Irvine, who lives on the south side of Largs, says that her own life experiences were the inspiration behind the book.

She had been hoping to publish for many years and at last took up the challenge during Covid times to pen the novel.

The book takes you back to the spirited atmosphere of 1960s Glasgow, a place where Anne herself has many happy memories.

‘Gien It Laldy’ is described as a compelling exploration of the ripples caused by the choices we make, set against the backdrop of a youthful and bustling Glasgow.

The synopsis reads: “Frankie and his mates are living it up-or as they'd say, Gien It Laldy.

“Frankie, effortlessly attractive and brimming with swagger, considers women little more than diversions. But a spontaneous decision one night at the Locarno dance hall leads to consequences he never anticipated.

(Image: Anne Irvine)

“Further rash choices haunt him, culminating in the arrival of Phil, a spectre from his past he can't shake off.

“Tam, Frankie's friend, grapples with the repercussions of a single, life-altering mistake that has become his daily nightmare. Despite Frankie urging him to get help, salvation comes from the most unexpected of places. But is it already too late?

“Gien It Laldy is a compelling exploration of the ripples caused by the choices we make, set against the backdrop of a youthful and bustling Glasgow. It delves into the intricate.”

Anne, who had a career as a field sales representative, grew up in Glasgow and moved to South Africa in 1974.

She returned to Scotland in 1977, and worked as a receptionist at Kip Marina and in administration until she retired in 2018.

She always loved visiting Largs with her husband Billy and they decided to move to the town in 1995, before Billy sadly passed away in 2002.(Image: Anne Irvine)

Anne has two children Neil and Angela, and three grandchildren.

Anne explained: “Frankie’s story came to me when I was on a bus to Glasgow one day and I just couldn’t get it out of my head.

"I had planned out a beginning, a middle and an end and thought it would make for a great book but I never thought I was brainy or educated enough to write a book.

"But for many years, Frankie’s story would never leave my head.

“My son Neil encouraged me to just do it. I thought all the top authors had university degrees but I downloaded a Maestros writing course and author Lee Childs, who I always admired, said you don’t have to have a degree to write a book – all you need is to be an avid reader and have an active imagination with a vision.

"That gave me hope that I can do it, and it took me a year and a half. I sent my manuscript to a few publishers and I heard back from Austin MacAuley Publishers who said that they were willing to publish it.”

Asked about whether Largs provided any inspiration in the book, Anne replied: “Although Largs does not feature and it is all about my childhood home of Glasgow, I wrote the book in town during Covid as you couldn’t go out and see people, and it was a nice and calming influence to concentrate and write. ‘

To purchase the book, go to https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/gien-it-laldy.