HE rose from nothing to become a multi-billionaire, making him one of Glasgow’s most successful sons.

Now tributes have been paid to Sir Arnold Clark from across the business and charity sectors.

Described as one of the country’s “greatest business figures”, Sir Arnold passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by family.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost was one of the first to pay tribute to the motoring giant.

Sadie Docherty said: “I was very saddened to hear of Sir Arnold’s passing. He was an excellent example of a company that recognised the need to invest in the future and, in particular, in the skills of our young people.

“Sir Arnold was passionate about Glasgow and he never forgot where he came from. He showed a strong commitment to modern apprenticeships, and his efforts to help people who don’t have the qualifications or experience necessary to get onto the job market has to be commended.

“Investing in the skills of our young people is one of the many things he will be remembered for.”

There are now more than 200 Arnold Clark branches around the UK, employing some 10,000 people, making the firm Europe’s largest family-run car business.

Sir Arnold, who was Chairman and Chief Executive, began his career in the RAF aged 17, having left school with no qualifications, and rose through the ranks.

In the 1950s he secured a job in car rental and then saved up to buy his first car for £70, which he renovated and sold.

Sir Arnold then went on to buy and sell more cars before opening his first showroom on Glasgow’s Park Road by the end of 1954.

The firm grew as he bought up franchises in and around Glasgow before going UK-wide.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “Sir Arnold was a giant of the business world, a Glasgow boy who was an incredible success in one of the most competitive of industries.

“There must be few people who haven’t bought a car from Arnold Clark.”

Sir Arnold was knighted in December 2003 for services to the motor industry and for his community work in Scotland.

This includes a 10-year project with The Prince’s Trust, Get Into Cars, which has trained hundreds of young people.

Allan Watt, Prince’s Trust Scotland’s Director, said: “Sir Arnold Clark was an inspirational business leader who truly believed in nurturing young talent in Scotland.

“The Prince’s Trust has been fortunate to work with the Clark family for nearly 10 years, together giving young people their first opportunity to start their careers in the automotive industry and now reaching out to inspire young people at school.

“Sir Arnold’s qualities as an outstanding entrepreneur and employer are very much evident in the legacy he has left behind.”

Also commenting on Sir Arnold’s philanthropic side, Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of Kiltwalk, said: “Scotland has lost one of its greatest business figures and someone who embodied the ethos that business success should be used as a force for good in society.

“Sir Arnold Clark and the organisation he built have been enormously supportive of Kiltwalk and the growth of the charity has been due in no small measure to the kindness and enthusiasm which they have shown towards us.”

Dr Bridget McConnell CBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, reflected on Sir Arnold’s contribution to the arts and the city.

Dr McConnell said: “Sir Arnold was a true friend of Glasgow and an enthusiastic contributor to our cultural life.

“For decades he, and the company which bore his name, supported what was the old Museum of Transport and latterly the Riverside Museum, where he served as a trustee on the fundraising appeal which raised almost £5 million for the Zaha Hadid designed gallery on the banks of the Clyde.

“Sir Arnold also had huge affection for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and was a trustee on the refurbishment appeal which raised £12.9 million, as well as the hugely successful organ programme.

“His contribution cannot be understated and he will be very sorely missed by his family and all of his friends and colleagues across Glasgow and Scotland.”

A family statement said the father-of-10 has died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

The statement said: “He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and employer to many.

“He was an inspiration and the family will continue to carry on his vision. He will be greatly missed.”