Today, I’m off to an old haunt, the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. As I walked in, I noted with interest that an exhibition of George Wyllie’s work is on display. A quick browse round reminded me of this eccentric character who I had the great pleasure to meet on a number of occasions during a recent Scottish Election Campaign.

Wyllie by name wily by nature. His charm was refreshing, his wit sharp as a needle, and his questions were always challenging. He had style. His art was very much an extension of himself, totally ‘off the wall’! You couldn’t help but smile when you were in his company, and afterwards be reminded of the profoundness of his words as they stayed with you and generated much after-thought.

He was well-named, The Whysman, with the ? as his trademark symbol. He died last year, and will be very much missed. He was not only the tonic, but personified the ‘gin’ of life!