Funeral for Edwin Morgan held at the University
Published: 26 August 2010
Moving tributes were paid to Edwin Morgan, Scotland’s first national poet at his funeral in the University's Bute Hall today.
Moving tributes were paid to Edwin Morgan, Scotland’s first national poet at his funeral in the University's Bute Hall today (26 August). 
Former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid delivered the eulogy describing Morgan as: "A great humanist Scot who, despite all the pyrotechnics of his poetry, always wanted to explore existence and what it means to be alive."
Literary luminaries including Jackie Kay and Liz Lochhead read examples of the poet’s work, while Morgan’s musical tastes were reflected with a rousing rendition of Burns’ ‘Is there for honest poverty’ and two Beatles classics in the humanist ceremony. Jazz saxophonist Tommy Smith spoke of his artistic collaborations with Morgan and played an improvisation on the poem ‘Wolf’.
First Minister of Scotland the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP was among the 500 mourners in attendance.
The University service was followed by a private cremation for Morgan’s family and close friends.
Further information: Martin Shannon, Senior Media Relations Officer,
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593
First published: 26 August 2010
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