A TEACHER is ensuring that a Greenock atrocity which was at the centre of a troubling time in Scotland becomes firmly etched in the nations' history books.

Shaun Kavanagh has written about the town's connection to the Radical War, also known as the Scottish Insurrection, in a newly-released book called '1820 Scottish Rebellion'.

Shaun, who teaches politics, modern studies and history at Clydeview Academy, says this is the first time Greenock's involvement in the Radical War has been given specific attention in an academic document.

The book takes the form of a collection of essays which emerged from a 2021 conference that featured a series of lectures on the significance of the event.

Shaun, 33, said he was thrilled to get involved in writing about Greenock on such a big stage.

He added: "I think it's important for us to look at the Radical War and re-evaluate it, as it is not well-documented.

"A lot of close knit communities across the west of Scotland where industry dominated were all involved."

The Radical War saw a week of unrest that culminated in the trial of a number of 'radicals' for treason.

In Greenock, eight people - most of them children - were killed in a huge riot which broke out when prisoners were freed from Greenock jail.

Shaun and others successfully campaigned for a memorial to be placed at Bank Street in memory of the victims killed locally.

He said his chapter in the book explores his feeling that Greenock was a 'massive contradiction' in the war.

Shaun said: "In the run-up to the war, Greenock was really loyal to the Crown and the government, and really prided itself on being respectful and loyal.

"It was a safe haven for people and wasn't a threat - but the bloodiest event of the war took place there.

"It was a one-off flashpoint which went against everything Greenock stood for."

Shaun has been interested in Greenock's role in the Radical War for several years but is pleased that the historical event is finally getting wider recognition.

He added: "I've always tried to champion Greenock as a historical subject.

"History always talks about Glasgow as being representative of Scotland but Greenock has often been very different from Glasgow in terms of its views.

"It has its own character."

Shaun now hopes that the book will prompt feedback from people across Inverclyde and beyond.

He added: "It was a fantastic project to work on and I'm really hoping that the book will be well-received."