A TROON author has told how his own battle with mental health inspired his latest book.

Gavin Oattes says he had the ‘best year my life on paper’ but was struggling behind the scenes.

His latest book ‘Life Will See You Now’ wants to encourage more people to live in the moment, and not dwell on the past or worry about the future.

The former primary school teacher set out to create an inspiring self-help book that can help people have a more positive mindset.

Gavin told the Advertiser: “This book is all about making the most of now. Too many are living in the past and worrying about the future.

“I’ve put it all in the book, asked people to stop what you are doing, take a deep breath and remember who you are.

“Everyone is chasing happiness, but if you chase it, you’ll never find it. It can only be found where you are right now.”

Gavin, now 40 has been on a remarkable journey since leaving Troon as an 18-year-old boy to go travelling and perform stand up in Australia.

Since then he has went on to become a primary school teacher, and later his Tree of Knowledge organisation grew into a success.

Gavin and his team have delivered inspirational talks to the likes of Nike and Rolls Royce, talking about his issues like mindset, reliance and mental health.

On his book launch in Edinburgh earlier this month, he donated proceeds of sales of the book to a mental health charity set up after the death of Scots music star Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit.

Gavin said: “The whole mental health subject at the moment is huge and it needs to be. It’s great how people are talking about it, but more needs to be done.”

“The best thing I did was talk about what was going on and admit that I wasn’t feeling right.

“I was a bit nervous about sharing that stuff in the book, but I’ve people of all ages and all backgrounds get in touch to say it has helped them. It’s been genuinely humbling; I think I’ve done the right thing.”

“Writing the book made me re-think everything that I am doing. It helped me really re-evaluate what I want where I’m going and who I am. Hopefully it will encourage others to do the same.”