FORMER first minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to John Byrne after the artist’s death aged 83.
A statement released through the Fine Art Society in Edinburgh said he died “peacefully” with his wife Jeanine by his side.
In a statement on Twitter/X, Sturgeon said: “So terribly sad to hear of the death of John Byrne, supremely talented playwright and artist, one of Scotland’s most important cultural voices of modern times, and the loveliest of men.
“I was thrilled in 2017 when he agreed to do the illustration for my First Minister Xmas card. My condolences to his loved ones.”
Humza Yousaf was also among those to pay tribute. In a post on Twitter/X, he said: “There are no words to do justice to the talents of John Byrne.
“An extraordinary playwright, artist and designer. Scotland has lost a cultural icon, and the world is less brighter with his passing.
“My thoughts are with his wife Jeanine, family, friends & all who loved him.”
Byrne was best known for his Slab Boys trilogy of plays and the TV show Tutti Frutti.
Born in Paisley, he attended St Mirin’s Academy and later studied at the Glasgow School of Art before going on to design record covers for The Beatles, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty.
Many others also took to social media to pay tribute, including Scottish musician Pat Kane, who said: “RIP John Byrne. He muttered mysteriously a few times at me in real life.
“But his art and drama were sumptuously enjoyable.”
A statement released by the National Galleries of Scotland said: “We are extremely sad to learn that John Byrne has passed away.
“Truly one of a kind, he was one of Scotland’s most masterful, maverick artists. Inventive, innovative and intriguing.
“John’s distinctive art stops you in your tracks and immediately draws you in.”
