Sandra White
I was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Kelvin constituency and met Alasdair on many occasions around the West End - chatting on Byres Road and latterly at his flat.
What does Alasdair Gray mean to you?
Explain yourself?
Generous: Alasdair had time for everyone regardless of who they were. This can be seen in his mural in Hillhead Subway Station.
Genius: His novel Lanark and his art works are pure genius.
Fearless: His honesty was fearless. He said what he thought and I greatly admired that.
How did you get to know Alasdair or his work?
He was a legend in Glasgow and was always out and about in the West End.
I loved his paintings and his written work Lanark is a masterpiece.
What have you done differently because of Alasdair?
Alasdair was always generous with his time. He spoke to everyone and never stood on ceremony or judged people. I’d like to think that I’ve taken this forward, particularly in my retirement.
How does Alasdair continue to influence or inspire you?
His compositions in his paintings were so busy, I always found different things in them.
Life is busy and I suppose I learned to look at issues and people more closely.
Part of Alasdair Gray's Hillhead Underground mural featuring Sandra White (on the left in the bottom right corner).