'Proper gentleman': Glasgow Barras legend suddenly dies

Robert Morton sadly suffered a heart attack last month leaving his family devastated.

The 85-year-old had worked at the iconic market for more than 40 years as a music vendor.

Robert Morton was a music vendor (Image: Sourced)

He had previously suffered a heart attack and stroke previously while working at his stall but refused to give up or retire.

Concerns were then raised when he missed a shift last month, which was extremely out of character, before his son found him dead at his home in Royston.

He is now being remembered as a family man and “proper gentleman” who would “give away his last penny”.

Robert loved vinyl records (Image: Sourced)

His son Billy Morton, 43, told the Glasgow Times: “My dad loved working down the Barras, he knew everyone and was well liked.

“Customers even came to his funeral to pay their respects with us, which I thought was really nice.

“I honestly thought my dad would outlive me, he had health problems previously but would always come back.

“He had been feeling better and was doing well so his death came as a big surprise for us.

“My dad was a big family man, he brought five kids up himself and had loads of grandkids, he would give anyone his last penny.

“The Barras have saved the seat he always sat on and are leaving it out, they are going to put a picture of him up as well.

“He was a total legend, he really made everyone feel special.”

The Barras market are keeping Roberts same seat out for him in his memory. (Image: Sourced)

The Barras posted on social media: “Today we said goodbye to Robert Morton.

“A trader in Barras Market for more than 40 years.

“Robert was a friend to many, many people and had a kind and warm way with us all.

“He will be sorely missed.

“Sending lots of love to all who had the pleasure of knowing him or indeed met him.”

Barras regulars were quick to comment their respects for Robert.

Matt MCcue said: “Keep his seat right there, where we can all remember him, I have been up and down that aisle for years and years.

“Always end up in conversation and home with new vinyl.”

Robert worked at the Barras market for more than 40 years (Image: Sourced)

Pearl Francis Hastie said: “Such a lovely man, I had wee sing songs with him while browsing through the vinyl's, he always had a wee treasure I would eagerly buy.

“RIP Robert, my trips down the Barras won't be the same now.”

Ann Burns McLafferty said: “I’m so sad to hear this, this lovely man was the reason I visited the Barras. He always helped me look for certain albums.”

Chris Clarke said: “Aw this saddens me.

“Always a super polite and helpful marketeer.

“Will miss picking up vinyl's from him.”

Laura Hegarty said: “He was a gentleman and I’m so pleased I got to call him my friend. I absolutely loved Robert and I will miss his smile so very much.”

Andrew Imrie said: “I remember when I worked at Cash Generator at the Trongate.

“Robert and his pal Jim and Hughie would be in every day looking for bargains before heading to paddy’s market to do the same. He was a real gentleman.”