A Helensburgh author will be holding his first book launch in the town as he looks ahead to the launch of his upcoming novel.

The Helensburgh Community Hub is hosting the launch of Robin Scott-Elliot’s new book, Finding Treasure Island, on Friday, November 3 at 7pm.

The book - which hits shelves on Thursday, November 2 - focuses on Robert Louis Stevenson’s stepson Sam, who was more commonly known as Lloyd, and his time adventuring on holiday in Braemar in the Highlands.

It was this holiday, and Robert’s intention to entertain Sam with treasure maps he created, that inspired Treasure Island.

Robin said: “It’s a fictionalised telling of the story behind the greatest adventure story every written – how Robert Louis Stevenson came up with the idea for Treasure Island during a wet summer holiday in the highlands.

“As the rain poured down on Braemar, Stevenson drew a map to entertain his bored stepson, Sam, and from there the story of Treasure Island grew.

“It’s told from Sam’s perspective, an American teenager growing up in a strange, mysterious, and sometimes dangerous land.

“Treasure Island was the book that started Stevenson on the road to becoming one of the first global literary superstars – he used to get chased through the streets of New York by journalists.

“My book is for children but like Stevenson’s great novels it’s aimed at all ages – nine to 90.

“Finding Treasure Island will be the first that’s been launched in Helensburgh – where I have written all five books.”

The launch event will include a competition to draw the most imaginative treasure map with Helensburgh’s Toy Shop providing prizes.

Finding Treasure Island is Robin’s fifth book with his last novel, Sweet Skies, recently being awarded the title of Sunday Times Book of the Week.

The launch event is free to attend but spaces should be booked in advance by emailing rscottelliot@gmail.com.

There will also be a remote launch as part of Scotland-wide celebrations to mark Robert Louis Stevenson day on Tuesday, November 14.

More details can be found at www.rlsday.wordpress.com.

Finding Treasure Island can be pre-ordered here: www.cranachanpublishing.co.uk/product/finding-treasure-island-by-robin-scott-elliot.