John Patrick Byrne

That this House notes the sad passing of the incredibly talented artist and writer John Byrne at the age of 83; marks the high regard he is held in the global arts community; acknowledges that Renfrewshire Council awarded him the Freedom of Renfrewshire last year; observes that John grew up in Ferguslie Park, attended Glasgow School of Art in 1958, won the Newbery Medal for best final student and a scholarship allowing him to study in Italy; further notes that his art work is displayed in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and that his mural of friend and comedian, musician and artist Billy Connolly appeared on a Glasgow gable-end; recognises his exceptional writing in The Slab Boys trilogy, Tutti Frutti, and Cuttin’ a Rug, set in Paisley Town Hall inspired many of the names of rooms in the newly renovated hall; notes that his final play Underwood Lane, inspired by his time growing up in Paisley with childhood friend Gerry Rafferty, received its world premiere in Renfrewshire; acknowledges the role his artwork for record covers for close friends Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty, Donovan and The Beatles played in the music world; declares John a proud buddie and one of Paisley and Renfrewshire’s favourite sons who was fiercely proud of his hometown which shaped many of his iconic works; agrees that no one else did more to export the artistic culture of Paisley worldwide; and conveys deepest sympathies to his family