This week saw the release of the fourth book, Daisy, from Saltcoats author Scott Alcroft.

Three Towns natives, and those from further afield in Ayrshire, will recognise his three other titles: The Bunnet, Hugo and The Factory Girls. We caught up with Scott from his home in Southern Spain for a chat after the latest release.

Scott told the Herald about his process and said: “After the success of the other three books, I wanted to take some time out.

“It takes a lot out of you writing a book and, for me anyway, I need a clear head with lots of thinking and quiet time to get a book done. This past year has been pretty manic for me so unfortunately it just wasn’t possible to write.

“I actually started three other books before I even got to Daisy but after a few chapters of each, I just didn’t see where the stories were going so stopped writing. When you produce three good books, you really put yourself under pressure to keep trying to produce similar or better quality.”

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Scott explained how his new offering is a bit different from his usual but it still holds his Scottish roots close. He said: “This book is very different from my other three books.

“I’ve gone a bit dark with this one, very dark. It’s still set on the West Coast of Scotland with Saltcoats, Largs and Millport playing a part in this very dark tale.

“I don’t want to say too much about this book because it’s definitely an 18 plus one due to some of the content.

“It covers, abduction, abuse, bullying, murder and revenge. It’s a bit off topic from the other three as I don’t want to be seen as just a one trick pony. The feedback I’ve had from it already has been amazing.

READ MORE: People of Ayrshire: "Two years ago I was completely on my knees and now I'm living the dream."

“For regular readers of my books, a character from the first three books, makes a special guest appearance in this one. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted but it’s a cracking wee page turner and takes the reader on a full range of emotions. I’d just like to thank the people of the Three Towns for their continued support as well, especially through these terrible times with COVID-19.

“I’m pretty sure it’s been a tough time for most, if not all of us during this pandemic. We’ve all realised what’s important in our lives and what matters most.

“The fighting spirit of the people in the three Towns still burns inside me so I’d like to thank you all for that too. Hopefully that fire drives me on to continue to do you all proud.”

Daisy is available on Amazon on paperback for £9.99 and on Kindle for £5.99 as are Scott’s other books.