A PERMANENT memorial to the people killed and injured in the Glasgow helicopter disaster is being planned by a city pub owner.

Colin Beattie, the man behind famous Glasgow pubs such as Oran Mor and the Lismore, has a long-standing association with the city's folk music scene and has commissioned a number of public artworks at venues around Glasgow.

He is looking to erect a statue alongside the Clyde in memory of those killed, injured or in any way affected by the crash.

He has given Glasgow artist Ranald MacColl a budget of £80,000 to £100,000 for the artwork, which they expect will take the form of a statue of a flotilla of small boats in tribute to the pub and the history of the River Clyde.

Clutha is the Gaelic name for the Clyde, and as such Mr Beattie wants the statue to be located alongside the site where the Carrick clipper was previously docked, just a short distance from the pub.

He said: "I heard the news the morning after the crash and, like everyone, my heart went out to everyone who was affected.

"I thought that some kind of permanent memorial would be a fitting tribute and if anyone can make a good job of that, it is Ranald."

Mr Beattie hopes that once the artwork is installed and if the Clutha is rebuilt, that it will accept a gift of a smaller version of the statue to go on display.

Mr MacColl said: "The artwork itself will likely take the form of a number of boats, like the Clyde puffers.

"But it will be obvious to anyone who sees it that it is a memorial to the Clutha pub and those who were victims of the helicopter crash."

Mr Beattie, who will fund the artwork himself, says he has made contact with Glasgow City Council about his proposal and hopes to get the backing of the local authority.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk