Alan Trotter

Writer and admirer of Gray’s work who met him only once.

What does Alasdair Gray mean to you?

Explain yourself?

Alasdair-ish: As both an artist and a writer Alasdair’s always immediately identifiable as himself. You can tell a Gray page from how it looks but even if you couldn't his concerns, his wit, his humanity are all very, admirably, recognisably, him.

Playful: Alasdair's always good company in his books. Not heavy with self-seriousness but full of invention that invites you in, that encourages you to enjoy yourself.

Generous: This is something I often think about the murals - what a generous gift they are to have left his hometown. But the same is true of the novels and stories and everything else, that he gave of himself in a way that leaves so much for us all to appreciate.