First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has backed calls for a permanent memorial to shopkeeper Asad Shah.

Local MP Stewart McDonald also joined a growing clamour for a lasting tribute to the 40-year-old who was killed outside his Shawlands store on March 24.

Glasgow Times:

It is understood locals have contacted politicians and asked them to lead a campaign for a memorial in Waverley Gardens.

Councillor Norman McLeod said he had been approached by “a number of people anxious to discuss some form of permanent memorial”.

He has arranged a meeting with Glasgow City Council’s head of parks and environment.

Councillor McLeod said: “The murder of Asad Shah has shown the people of Glasgow at their very best in the intense sorrow they expressed and all the support shown to his family.

“The idea of an appropriate memorial has my wholehearted support.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is the local MSP, said: “I think this is a lovely idea and it has my full support.

“It's clear how much affection and respect local people had for Mr Shah and it would be a fitting tribute to the impact he had on so many lives.”

Glasgow Times:

There was an outpouring of grief following the death of Mr Shah with a vigil attracting more than 500 people held on March 25. The following day more than 150 people attended a second vigil organised by local teenagers.

A fundraising website set up by customers of Shah’s Newsagents and Convenience Store in Minard Road has recorded donations to Mr Shah’s family totalling £111,000.

Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald said: “Mr Shah was quite simply a wonderful man – and the Southside has been robbed of one of our dearest friends.

“A local memorial that allows us to remember our friend is a wonderful idea and I support it wholeheartedly.”

Councillor Fariha Thomas also backed calls for a permanent memorial.

She said: “If the family would like this I would be supportive. I was at the vigil and have been there since to talk to people who live close by so I know how shocked and grief-stricken everyone is.”

A member of the family - who asked not to be identified on the advice of police - indicated they would be happy to discuss the idea of a permanent memorial with local politicians and described it as a “nice gesture”.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “The council has received a request from local residents and is meeting next week to discuss how an appropriate memorial for Asad Shah could be arranged. The council is happy to assist in any way it can.”

Glasgow Times:

A statement from the Shah family released earlier in the week said: “If there was to be any consolation from this needless tragedy, it came in the form of the spontaneous and deeply moving response by the good people of Shawlands, Glasgow and beyond.

“As a family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have organised and participated in the street vigils, online petitions and messages. You have moved us beyond words and helped us start healing sooner than we thought possible. You were Asad’s family as much as we are and we will always remain with you.

“One of our brightest lights has been extinguished but our love for all mankind and hope for a better world in which we can all live in peace and harmony, as so emphatically embodied by Asad, will endure and prevail. Asad left us a tremendous gift and we must continue to honour that gift by loving and taking care of one another.”

A 32-year-old man appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on March 29 in connection with Mr Shah’s death and was remanded in custody.