The Jim King Show

Gangster Billy McKay - Drugs, Crime, Prison & Recovery - Who Turned The Light On

The Jim King Show

Show Notes

Billy McKay, a former Glasgow gang member and recovering addict who transformed his life. In the context of his book, McKay states that the title came to him through divine intervention.

McKay's intensely personal debut book, Who Turned the Light On? From Addiction, Trauma and Mental Chaos to Freedom, Faith and Real Transformation, details his incredible journey.

Early Life: He grew up in the East End of Glasgow, battling severe alcohol and drug addiction from just 12 years old.

The Darkest Years: He was trapped in gang culture and spent multiple stints in prison, including HMP Barlinnie.Redemption: After decades of trauma and destructive patterns, he found recovery through Christian faith and now works as a mentor helping others.You can read more about his journey or purchase the memoir through Amazon UK.

More from The Jim King Show

Oct 23, 2026

As featured on the BBC programme Inside Barlinnie, Frankie’s life was once defined by the brutal, unforgiving realities of survival. This episode is the raw, unfiltered account of a journey from the absolute brink of destruction to a life of profound purpose and healing.

Oct 9, 2026

Alistair Wilson was a 30-year-old Scottish bank manager whose fatal, unsolved shooting on his doorstep in Nairn in November 2004 remains one of Scotland's most high-profile cold cases. The Murder • Date and Location: On November 28, 2004, at around 7:00 PM, a man knocked on the door of the Wilson family home on Crescent Road in the seaside town of Nairn. • The Encounter: The stranger asked Alistair Wilson by name and handed him a blue envelope with the word "Paul" written on it. Wilson went inside briefly, then returned to the door where he was shot multiple times. He died later that evening in the hospital. • The Weapon: Ten days after the shooting, an antique German-made H&R pocket pistol used in the murder was discovered in a drain a few streets away.

Sep 28, 2026

Wayne Couzens is a former British police officer who is serving a whole-life prison sentence for the March 2021 abduction, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard in London. His case sparked national outrage, deeply damaged public trust in UK policing, and initiated intense debate surrounding women's safety.

Sep 27, 2026

BBC television presenter Jill Dando was shot dead on the doorstep of her home in Fulham, west London, on 26 April 1999.

Sep 25, 2026

🎬 ACTOR & RISING STAR ELIJAH MIRZA TELLS HIS STORY

See all episodes →