Funeral of writer William McIlvanney being held in Glasgow
The funeral of acclaimed writer William McIlvanney is being held at his former university.
The funeral of acclaimed writer William McIlvanney is being held at his former university.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the service at the University of Glasgow Chapel.
The author of the Laidlaw trilogy and numerous other Glasgow-based works such as Docherty, The Big Man and The Kiln died peacefully at his home in Glasgow earlier this month. He was 79.
Mr McIlvanney, originally from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, graduated from the university in 1960 and was an English teacher before changing career in 1975 to write full-time.
He gained immediate recognition with the publication of his first novel - Remedy Is None - and through other works he earned the title of ''Godfather of Tartan Noir''.
He was also an influential poet, journalist and broadcaster, and contributed to political and sporting life in Scotland through a series of columns and TV programmes.
He is survived by his partner Siobhan, his daughter Siobhan, son Liam and his brother, Hugh, the respected journalist.
Authors such as Ian Rankin and Val McDermid described him as an inspiration in their careers.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former prime minister Gordon Brown also paid tribute to him when he died.
Mr McIlvanney won a number of awards, including the Whitbread Prize and the Crime Writers' Association's Silver Dagger.
Speaking earlier this year before the screening of a documentary on his life, Mr McIlvanney said he wanted to write ''three or four new things'' before the end of his career.
He said: I write from compulsion, I have to generate a compulsion, I have probably four ideas that matter to me very much and I hope to realise them, but if you're a betting man don't put a bet on it, just wait and see what happens.
''There's things I've started - I'm a great starter, not so good at finishing - I've started several things and would like to write maybe three of four things that matter to me.''
Ms Sturgeon went to the Irvine school Mr McIlvanney had taught in and said she was brought to tears by his death.
''His writing had a huge influence on me when I was growing up,'' she said.
''Willie came from Ayrshire - as I do - and had taught at my school in the years before I went there, so he was something of a local hero. I will always remember the thrill of eventually getting to meet him some years later.
''Willie was an iconic figure in Scottish literature and deserves to be remembered as one of our literary greats.''
A memorial service in celebration of Mr McIlvanney's life will be held at the university on April 2 next year.
A spokeswoman said: Everyone at the University of Glasgow is deeply saddened by the loss of our distinguished alumnus William McIlvanney.
He was a true literary great and respected by many and it is a privilege for the university to be able to host his funeral service. We are pleased to offer our support to his family at this sad time.''