The renowned Scottish author and artist Alasdair Gray has died aged 85. 

Known for his novels, including Lanark and Poor Things, – both of which were set in his home city of Glasgow – the award-winning writer became a much-loved emblem of the city. 

He also painted a number of murals in the area, and has further works of art on display in both V&A and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

He died on Sunday at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after a short illness, his publisher confirmed. 

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Gray shortly after the news of his death was announced, writing: “Such sad news. Alasdair Gray was one of Scotland’s literary giants, and a decent, principled human being.

“He’ll be remembered best for the masterpiece that is Lanark, but everything he wrote reflected his brilliance.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a genius, and think of his family.”

Gray’s family have confirmed there will be no funeral, in accordance with his wishes that his body be donated to medical science. 

In a statement shared by Canongate, his family said: “Alasdair was an extraordinary person; very talented and, even more importantly, very humane.

“He was unique and irreplaceable and we will miss him greatly. We would like to thank Alasdair’s many friends for their love and support, especially in recent years.

“Together with the staff of the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Glasgow, who treated him and us with such care and sensitivity during his short illness. In keeping with his principles Alasdair wanted his body donated to medical science, so there will be no funeral.”