Tributes have poured in for “Govan radio legend” Brian Mcquade, who died suddenly at the age of 70.
Brian was a director at Sunny G radio station and renowned art historian in his local area.
The station described him as a “true polymath and someone who was always proud of the people of Govan."
Steven Gilfoyle, station manager at Sunny G told the Daily Record: “Brian is a Govan icon. He is someone everyone has known for years.
“He suffered depression and alcoholism but later in life went to university and came out with not one but two degrees in art.
“We called his ‘Sir Brian’ at the station because he was so intelligent.
“He had a checkered past and some amazing stories to tell.”
Brian brought a diverse art programme to the radio, telling stories of painters including Vincent van Gogh and Édouard Monet as well as the Italian Renaissance.
Steven said: “When it came to famous painters, he brought them to life in a way that interested everyone.
“Sometimes he would start talking about the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, he was also a huge music fan.
“He brought these subjects to us and we understood the works of people like Van Gogh because Brian broke it down for us and made it interesting.”
Steven added: “He was passionate about the environment, he was involved in projects to reclaim the Clyde.
“In 2011 we nominated Brian to be the Olympic torch bearer for Govan and we had a hell of day celebrating him when he did that.
“He was highly regarded from the highest and the lowest levels, he had time for everybody.
“Brian also had two self-published books, helped the homeless along with the Salvation Army and used to do informal tours of Govan for people, he would show them all the historical parts of the community.
“I honestly don’t know where he got the time for it all.”
The circumstances of Brain’s tragic death are not yet known.
Steven says when the shock of his death has settled down the community will think of the best way to honour him.
“I don’t know whether it will be a song or a statue or a mural, but we’ll do something,” he said.
“I think he maybe didn’t know how much he was loved.”
Tributes poured in across social media when Brian’s death was announced.
One person wrote: “Brain was a real govan legend and we all valued him in the community.
“So sad to hear this news we won't forget him and he will be missed by many people.
“Glad I got the chance to meet him I won't forget his stories and art. Long live Brian.”
Many shared their memories with Brain.
One said: "Ah God, I'm very sorry to hear this news. Sitting having a coffee with Brian was an education and a pleasure every time I got to do it."
Another added: “I met Brian when I visited Sunny Govan. He took us for a wee tour round the church and I bought his book. He was a gentleman. RIP.”
Another said: “So Sorry to hear this news, Brian was extremely informative, especially on the History of Art. RIP Brian.”
Sunny G have also launched a Go Fund Me page to support the station through the Covid-19 pandemic. You can find it here.
