WELL PLAID, PAOLO
Star‘s family present tartan gift to artist John
Renowned artist and playwright John Byrne returned to his home town and was presented with a touch of tartan... courtesy of fellow Paisley pop star Paolo Nutini.
The Ferguslie Park-born painter and Slab Boys Trilogy author was at Paisley Abbey to be made an honorary fellow of the town’s West College Scotland.
To add to his academic gown, he was given a surprise gift by fish and chip shop owner Alfredo Nutini in the shape of a special waistcoat in the Scots-Italian tartan.
The gift was from Alfredo and his famous singer- songwriter son Paolo, who has met John on a number of occasions.
Alfredo said: “A friend of mine designed and makes the ScotsItalian tartan and we thought it would be nice to give John Byrne a waistcoat in it in recognition of his achievement. It was a surprise for him but he put it right on.
“He looked great.”
John is well known as a snappy dresser and is often seen wearing colourful clothes, including waistcoats.
Last year, at the age of 78, he was named Scotland’s most stylish man.
The writer of TV hit Tutti Frutti and the artist behind many striking portraits and paintings was crowned with the title at the Scottish Style Awards in Glasgow.
And now he has a piece of Paisley to add to his wardrobe in the shape of the colourful blue, yellow and black waistcoat.
“He seemed to like it,” Alfredo said.
“He’s a real gentleman.”
Also receiving a fellowships from the college at the abbey ceremony was Colin Taylor, founder and managing director of Neat Living, which pioneers the design of precision-engineered and energyefficient homes.
David Ross, director of Keppie Design Ltd, was honoured too with a fellowship.
He has for seven years been a mentor for many West College Scotland students, setting annual programmes for the HND Interior Design course.
This includes annual live client briefs where students gain experience of working to deadlines, presenting to customers and understanding their needs and demands.