Asbestos and Clydebank, by Sam Whyte, tells the personal stories of those who developed the condition after inhaling toxic fibres at work.

The book, developed by Clydebank Asbestos Group (CAG) and Digby Brown Solicitors, aims to raise awareness to improve health and social care in order to protect future generations.

Rachel Gallagher, CAG co-ordinator, said: “We are incredibly humbled by the strength, dignity and passion shown by each person who chose to share their experiences.

“West Dunbartonshire has frequently topped national tables for asbestos-disease, undoubtedly due to past shipbuilding and heavy industry. “But it affects all of Scotland. “For 30 years, we have fought for truth and justice but the truth is needed just as much today as ever

“Asbestos use may have been banned in 1999 but it is still in our communities – in buildings and in asbestos diseases which contributes to a devastating heritage.”

Fraser Simpson, head of Digby Brown’s industrial disease team, said: “The work of CAG is hugely important from decades of campaigning work, which is recognised in the book, to the free holistic daily support it provides for hundreds of families.

“The vision for the book was commendable because it rightly - and finally - places the spotlight on real people and their communities to give them recognition they deserve so we were passionate in providing support to turn this vision into a reality.

“Asbestos and Clydebank therefore is not just interesting or informative reading material - it is a vital social document that I hope will be a catalyst for positive action to improve the future.”