Colin Turbett's Website

Social History, Social Work, Socialism - and a bit about bikes

Social History Publications

Witness to War

This book tells the story of the Isle of Arran (and the surrounding Firth) in the Second World War - all aspects of wartime activity and life on the island are included in its 216 black & white and colour illustrated pages. The book was first published by Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, but is now (May 2025) available in a second enlarged edition, published by The Wee Bookshop, Corrie, Isle of Arran. 289 pages with more stories and images - celebrating Arran's part in the victory over fascism as we mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.  

Sunderlands Over Blackwaterfoot

Recently published by Calton Books, Glasgow,  is Nae Paseran - Scotland and Solidarity With Chile in the 1970s. This book tells the story behind the 2019 film Nae Paseran - the boycott of jet engines by the workers in the Rolls Royce plant in East Kilbride and describe the attempts to build socialism in Chile by Salvador Allende, the violent coup that replaced him with a fascist military junta, the solidarity with the people that followed (with a focus on Scotland) and the experience of refugees fleeing to Scotland. The book has been produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of resistance to the September 1973 fascist coup. 


Available from Calton Books www.calton-books.co.uk £10

Book Launch Glasgow City Chamber 4/9/23

Hosted by Roza Salih

Speakers: Stephen Smellie UNISON, Ruben Romero, Adela Quinn and music from Cecilia Prieto and Jorge Sandoval

Autumn 2025 - New Writing Project

I have started writing a social history with a working title of "Wartime Dreams and Blue Trains - Glasgow's 1960 Suburban Electrification". Not really a train book - more one about a successful and forward looking transport development after the Second World War - and the aspirations and urban plans that led to its realisation. Porto Press will publish with book due out late 2026 - watch this space!