Much-loved Big Issue vendor Paul Kelly remembered in Scottish parliament

Popular Big Issue vendor Paul Kelly has been remembered in Scottish parliament following his tragic death.

The 50-year-old was found dead outside his home in the Knightswood area of Glasgow on Saturday June 15 following violent attack.

Thank you to the MSPs who have signed the parliamentary motion in remembrance of Paul Kelly, who was well known to many people in Glasgow and East Kilbride as a friendly member of the Big Issue team.

Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/RWTVRsnsRc

— Monica Lennon MSP (@MonicaLennon7) June 21, 2019

Since the tragic news broke, The Big Issue has been inundated with tributes from his regular customers and everyone he touched with his ‘Don’t be shy, give it a try. I don’t buy’ catchphrase on his pitch outside Sainsbury’s on Buchanan Street in Glasgow.

The Big Issue has put Paul on the cover of this week’s Scottish edition of The Big Issue in tribute with editor Paul McNamee writing in memory of the veteran vendor that: “It just feels odd and it feels sad and a little darker that Paul Kelly isn’t in this world”.

And Paul’s reach has even been felt in the Scottish parliament too, where MSP Monica Lennon tabled a motion for politicians to remember him on June 19.

She put forward: “That Parliament pays tribute to Paul Kelly, who was well known and loved in Glasgow and East Kilbride as a friendly and valued member of The Big Issue team… welcomes the fond tributes pouring in from members of the public who knew Paul from his Buchanan Street Sainsbury’s pitch and Marks & Spencer and St Leonards Square in East Kilbride, remembering him as kind, polite, friendly, and for his good banter.”

Lennon also noted that a book of condolence was opened at St Leonards Square on June 23.

A memorial vigil will be held for Paul on his pitch outside Sainsbury’s on Buchanan Street in Glasgow at noon today.