May Hooper

Alasdair was the person who heard me ALWAYS, and I reciprocated. We were confidantes.

We became close friends in the early 80s and then, oddly, we also became neighbours when he moved into the Terrace in the 90s. He occasionally featured me in his drawings and paintings. We had many imaginative conversations. Although I can still hear his words, the best of him is gone.

What does Alasdair Gray mean to you?

Explain yourself?

Gone is the light, vanished into the shadows, not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.

He was the best I've known, someone who truly saw and accepted me. I hope I gave a fraction of the love and brilliance he gave me.

But now there is an ache inside that will never leave me. Because the best part of him lives on only in my memories and that never compensates.

I can hear his voice but cannot have just one more conversation. All I can do is imagine what he might say.

What have you done differently because of Alasdair?

I haven't, I was always just me and he him. I cared for him, his death was devastating.

How does Alasdair continue to influence or inspire you?

Not a day goes by when I do not hear him speak or indeed laugh.

Anything else about Alasdair you’d like to add?

I've likely gone on too much already.

May in Black Dress on Armchair, 1984-2010