A JOHNSTONE student has revealed how he jumped at the chance to turn over a new leaf...by going topless for a book featuring men in kilts.

Ian McClean, 18, is among those who reached for the tartan to star in 101 Men in Kilts, compiled by Paisley author Bob McDevitt.

And the bold teenager said he turned heads as he went ‘taps aff’ for his photoshoot in and around Glasgow Green.

Ian, who is a musical theatre student, told The Gazette: “As the photos were being taken, I distinctly remember trying to look good and strike a pose as crowds of dog walkers and families stared on in horror. It was great fun, though.

“I’ve known Bob for a few years now. I was in a production of West Side Story at the King’s Theatre and Bob was the photographer for the show.

“That was the first time I met him and since then, we’ve been involved in quite a few more shows together. One day, he messaged to ask if I would like to be in his book and, of course, I said yes.

“I mean, how many people can say they’re in a book?”

David Carruth, a 27-year-old postman from Elderslie, also donned a kilt to feature in the fun publication.

His photoshoot took place at his family’s farm on the outskirts of Bridge of Weir.

David said: “It was quite bizarre wearing my kilt on the farm. My dad knows Bob, so we got talking at an event and I thought it would be fun to take part.

“Thankfully, I’m quite used to having my photo taken, having done some small modelling jobs in the past.

“I love the diversity of the book as it involves men of different ages and from different backgrounds.

“I was born and bred in Renfrewshire and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon, so I’m very proud to be representing the area.”

Other models recruited by Bob include three Paisley men – Colin McGowan, Iain McLelland and Jonathan Mitchell.

Colin, who is an actor, showed his Tartan Army loyalty by matching a Scottish football shirt with his kilt, while professional cyclist Jonathan opted for some chunky knitwear.

And police officer Iain is an arresting sight as he strikes a pose in woodland.

Bob, a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry who now runs the Aye Write! and Bloody Scotland book festivals, said his aim when compiling 101 Men in Kilts was to celebrate the country’s “rugged beauty.”

He added: “The book was great fun to shoot. I think it captures the perfect mix of Scotland, Scotsmen and tartan.

“I love how it’s all ordinary men involved, aged 18 to 35.

“After the popularity of the Outlander television series and the kilted yoga video, it seems like the world has gone mad for men in kilts.”

101 Men in Kilts is available from Amazon or Waterstones, priced at £9.99.