LEE Stetson – a Hollywood actor known for his part in the TV series Hawaii Five-0 – will be telling stories about John Muir, the father of the US National Parks movement, at special events in Helensburgh and on Loch Lomondside later this month.

His memorable portrayals of Muir have been a highlight for hundreds of thousands of visitors to Yosemite National Park since 1983. Now details of Scottish events to mark the US National Parks centennial celebrations have been revealed.

On Wednesday, April 27, after addressing pupils at Hermitage Academy’s morning assembly, Lee will start his walk at 10.30am at the pierhead in Helensburgh which looks across the Firth of Clyde to Greenock, where as an 11-year-old, John Muir set out in 1849 with his family for a new life in America.

Local walking and conservation enthusiasts will accompany Lee as he follows the John Muir Way over the hill to Balloch where he will be welcomed with a reception at the headquarters of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Lee will be able to say that he brings greetings from Yosemite, America’s second national park to Loch Lomond in Scotland’s first national park.

The event will coincide with celebrations marking the second anniversary of the John Muir Way – a 134-mile route linking Dunbar and Helensburgh.

Lee will also be opening the John Muir Wildlife and Ecology Film Festival at The Tower Digital Arts Centre in Helensburgh at 7pm on Friday, April 29.

On Saturday, April 30, he will be planting Californian sequoia trees at Hermitage Park, Helensburgh at 10.30am before going on to Balmaha on Loch Lomondside where he will open the Tom and Rhona Weir Mountain Garden at 2pm.

With the exception of the National Park reception and the Hermitage Academy assembly, all of these are free events open to the public.

John Urquhart, vice-chairman of Friends of Loch Lomond, said: “With the support of Argyll and Bute Council and the National Park, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are delighted to be hosting this series of events marking the US National Parks centennial celebrations and the great contribution of John Muir to the worldwide National Parks movement.

“Hopefully we will see a large turnout of the public at the events where there will be an opportunity to hear more stories about the adventures of John Muir and his outstanding achievements as a pioneering Scot in America all these years ago.”

David Adams McGilp, regional director at VisitScotland, said: “The spirit of Scotland stretches far beyond our borders and forms the backbone of the National Parks movement thanks to the work of John Muir.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to find out more about Scotland’s most famous conservationist whose pioneering work is reflected in the protection of our own beautiful and awe-inspiring landscape which continues to be a top attraction for visitors worldwide.”