Buchanan Street vigil held for Paul Kelly

Heartbroken family and friends stood still in the rain to remember the Glasgow character who coined the phrase, "Don't be shy, give it a try. I don't bite."

The large crowd, including Mr Kelly's brother Mark and cousin Catherine, gathered outside his old patch at Sainsbury's in Buchanan Street to share their memories. The vigil followed a similar tribute yesterday which was held in East Kilbride, where Mr Kelly also had a patch. 

The owner of Bath Street restaurant O Sole Mio kicked off the tributes.

Mr Djanal Bunouary said: "He is the life and soul of Buchanan Street. I don't think that corner of Buchanan Street will every be the same again."

Mr Kelly, 50, was found with serious injuries on Hermitage Avenue in Knightswood on June 15. 

Emergency services attended but he died at the scene. Jason Cowan, 46, has appeared in court charged with Mr Kelly's murder. The Glasgow man was remanded in custody and is expected to appear again at a later date. 

Mr Kelly's cousin and brother join mourners at the memorial 

Mr Kelly's brother Mark said the family face "tough times" ahead while they await the release of his body. Police are still carrying out their investigations into the death and the family are in the meantime unable to organise the funeral.

His heartbroken brother said: "Thank you to everybody who turned up today for my brother."

Flatemate Raymond Shaw, above left, also stood in tears at the moving vigil and said he will never have another friend like Paul.

Mr Shaw, who lived with Paul in Knightswood for several years, said: "Paul came home every night and spoke about everyone of his wee customers. He loved everyone of them and appreciated everything they did for him.

"Paul is in heaven the now, I know he is. Not one bad bone in his body. I'll never get another pal like that again. I'm really glad that paul was in my life."

Mourners took it in turn to share their stories of Mr Kelly, who worked for the publication for more than a decade.

They spoke of a man who listened to their problems and opened doors. They described Mr Kelly as "one in million" and spoke at length about how he lifted their mood while the staff at Sainsbury's said he was simply, 'a dear friend'. 

READ MORE: Tributes to the Big Issue's Paul Kelly should make us stop and think

Marcus Baird, who stood with a board across from Mr Kelly on Buchanan Street, said: "He was such a positive force in my life. 

"It has hit us all really hard and there is going to be a really noticeable hole in Glasgow now. If we were all nice as what Paul was, the world would be a better place."

READ MORE: The Big Issue's tribute to seller Paul Kelly after Knightswood death

The Big Issue editor Paul McNamee, above, added: "He couldn’t do enough for you.

"There was something magnetic about him and warm about him.

"We know the memory of Paul will remain with us for a very long time."

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