The amazing story of two men from Cumbrae and Arran who took to the skies in the Spanish Civil War is being told in a new book.

Island Brigaders is the debut novel from author Liam Turbett, who penned the story after hearing it as a youngster living on Arran.

The book tells the story of Millport man William Bamborough and Arran native Bertie Milton, who both volunteered for the International Brigade and helped defend the Spanish republic in the 1930s.

Liam admits he has never fancied himself as an author, but decided that the intriguing story needed to be shared.

He explained: “I’m from Arran originally and found out about the exploits of Bertie Milton from locals on the island.

“I wanted to bring a bit of attention to the story and during my research I found out that someone from Millport also went over as a volunteer.

“It was a hobby in my spare time but soon turned into a proper book, which I am really proud to be publishing.

“I have written a few history features in my time but this one deserved so much more as it is an amazing tale.”

More than 500 Scots travelled to Spain during the war to fight against fascism, with Bamborough joining the air force to fight in the skies.

However, Liam revealed his tale is even more dramatic, after returning to Spain in a new role as a blockade runner.

He said: “After flying fighter planes, he later returned as a Merchant Navy seaman and in 1937, his ship carrying vital supplies of food to the under-siege country was sunk by a Nazi bomber plane.

“Fortunately, Bamborough and the crew survived the attack and lived to tell the tale, rowing for more than six hours to reach safety in Catalonia.

“He was later interviewed by a journalist and his account of the sinking was reported around the world, and was raised in the Houses of Parliament. 

“After returning from Spain, Bamborough continued working as a pilot and later settled in Galston in East Ayrshire, where he died in 1979.”

Liam said he wanted to bring the remarkable story of the pair’s exploits to life, and reveals interest in the book has already been high.

He continued: “A lot of this information was hidden away, and was only digitised in the last few years so it was there all along just waiting to be told.

“There was a lot of research required into the pair but thankfully they did some interviews and articles at the time too.

“There is a lot of interest in the civil war and there are even statues in Glasgow which commemorate the merchant seamen and volunteers who went.

“I thought it was important to bring their story to life and I hope everyone enjoys reading about their exploits.”

Island Brigaders by Liam Turbett is available at: www.islandbrigaders.bigcartel.com.