Writer Jock Gallagher, 75, who spent 54 years as a journalist, has now compiled the list of stories highlighting the efforts of his fellow countrymen over the years in his new book Scotland’s Global Empire: A Chronicle of Great Scots.

Among those from the area featured in the new book are two sons of the rock who were awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest military decoration awarded to British soldiers for valour in the face of the enemy.

Lance Corporal John Hamilton from Dumbarton, who was 21 years old and serving with the Highland Light Infantry when he won his Victoria Cross for his efforts on September 26 1917, north of the Ypres-Menin.

Lance Corporal Hamilton was decorated after, on several occasions and on his own initiative, he carried ammunition through enemy fire and then, in full view of snipers and machine guns, distributed the ammunition.

His medal is now located in the National War Museum of Scotland.

Jock’s book also tells the story of The story of Major William Babtie, a Dumbarton man who was also awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in assisting wounded soldiers while under fire in the battle of Colenso in 1899 during the Boer War.

Under heavy rifle fire Major Babtie rode up to attend to the wounded who were lying in an advanced gully. Later in the day Major Babtie went out with another officer to bring in a lieutenant who was lying wounded on the veldt, again while under very heavy fire. Racing Legend Jackie Stewart, a three times formula one world champion, is also recognised as one of the 1,000 great Scots listed in the new book for his contribution to the sporting world.

Last week Jock, 75, told the Reporter the finished product had been years in the making and was born out of his habit of keeping notes throughout his career and his keen interest in Scottish pioneers.

He said: “Though I knew Scots had punched above their weight it wasn’t until I put this into one book that I realised how powerful it was and how well Scots had performed right across the globe in areas of leadership and discovery.

“It’s a typical reporter’s piece doing lots of little colourful stories — it’s pure journalism — I don’t pretend to be a writer. It’s a reporter’s notebook — it just happens to be over 200 years.

“I kept old newspaper cuttings, read books, so I had a whole mass of this material and I just decided it ought to be put into some sort of order and the logical thing to do was to put it into a book.

“The book was really a reaction to living in England, you become more fervently patriotic the longer you’re away from Scotland.

“I think the book really decided to write itself and like a good reporter I had scribbled notes and reports or yonks about Scots.”