A Govanhill man has turned his five-year-old blog into a semi-fictional love letter to Glasgow’s ‘weirdest’ neighbourhood.

At the end of July, Peter Mohan, who grew up in Govan and has spent the last 20 years in Govanhill, published his debut novel Cheers, Govanhill.

(Image: Writer Peter Mohan. Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

(Image: Writer Peter Mohan. Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

Through humour and colourful characters, the 57-year-old says he pokes fun at the place he is most fond of (while poking fun at himself and everyone else too).

“The book is based on a blog of the same name I’ve been writing for five years,” Peter told the Glasgow Times.

He continued: “Govanhill is an endlessly fascinating place, unique, colourful and always surprising.

“It’s the most cosmopolitan neighbourhood in Scotland and has always had high levels of immigration but still has that working class, Glaswegian edge.

“That’s what makes it so interesting.”

(Image: Writer Peter Mohan. Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

The book – which was published by Govanhill Baths Community Trust – takes readers through the last 20 years of the area's history, with a particular focus on the biggest changes in the area.

One example is how the area has gone from being known for its ‘worst streets in the country’ to a place brimming with artisan coffee shops and bakeries.

Only a few months ago, government data revealed Govanhill has the worst child poverty rate in Britain while it has also ranked for having highest deprivation. 

(Image: Writer Peter Mohan. Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

As well as the stark changes, readers will also get the chance to meet a few memorable characters along the way like Mad Tracy.

Peter said: “Govanhill has changed a lot in the past 20 years from ‘the worst streets in Scotland’ to the hipster apocalypse of fonts and coffee and artisan bakeries.

“The book is a sideways look at an ever-changing place with characters including Rab fae Torrisdale Street and mad Tracy who torched her flat that time.”

He added that there will be "a few muppets, rockets and midgie rakers too.”

(Image: Writer Peter Mohan. Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.)

After launching the book on August 8 as part of the Govanhill International Festival, Peter said the reception has been great so far.

He added: “People have been very generous.

“The blog has had a decent wee audience for a few years. I think people appreciate I am poking fun at a place I am fond of while poking fun at myself and everyone else too.”

But Peter feels great about the work too.

He said: “It is my first book.

“It was quite emotional to have the book in my hands for the first time. It’s been a long road.”

The book costs £10 and includes a foreword from portrait and editorial photographer, Simon Murphy. Simon’s work has included portraits of the Dalai Lama, Noel Gallagher and Paolo Nutini.

To purchase a copy, click HERE

As Peter says, it is worth a swatch!