A gory tale about cannibalism in Ayrshire has proved a winner for an Inverkip writer.

Dave Watson’s book about the notorious Sawney Bean, the 17th century cannibal whose clan reputedly lived in a cave at Bennane Head, has entered the Amazon best seller list.

Dave, 37, who lives in Station Avenue, took up writing after several years working in call centres, bars and restaurants.

He told the “News”: “I’m currently finishing up a joint honours degree in music and digital media and information studies at the University of Glasgow, where I hope to do my post grad in creative writing this autumn.

“I’ve been writing seriously for the past few years, and self-published my first novel In the Devil’s Name, on Amazon in 2012.

" I just found out that this book, which is based on the legend of Sawney Bean, has entered the Amazon bestseller list — even though it’s actually free to download. It is currently sitting at #20 in the horror category and #720 in the overall free Kindle store.

"The book is also available in Inverclyde public libraries.” Now Dave, who is married to Simona, has finished his second novel, The Wolves of Langabhat, which is set on the Isle of Lewis.