Writer Alasdair Gray breaks back in fall outside his home

One of Scotland’s leading cultural figures is in a critical condition in hospital after falling down a flight of stairs outside his Glasgow home.

Writer and artist Alasdair Gray was injured in the fall around 2am yesterday.

The 80-year-old is being treated for a broken back and serious head and leg injuries.

It is understood Mr Gray was found by a neighbour after falling down the stairs into the basement outside his home.

Friend and gallerist Joe Mulholland said: “I have heard he had the fall at 2am. He is in critical condition in the Royal Infirmary.

“I don’t know how it happened but I understand the police are involved.”

Police Scotland said they attended an incident in Marchmont Terrace involving an elderly man at 1.50am on Thursday.

They said inquiries into the incident are ongoing but that there is, at present, no suspicion of criminal involvement.

Despite the severity of his injuries, they are not thought to be life-threatening.

Mr Gray was widowed last year when his wife Morag died. His son Andrew is on his way back to Scotland from the US following his father’s fall.

Mr Gray is one of the towering figures of Scottish art and literature, best known for his novel, Lanark.

Alasdair Gray also suffered leg and head injuries in the fall.