Gangster Paul Ferris Laid to Rest Alongside Rival

Infamous Glasgow gangster Paul Ferris has been laid to rest at Daldowie Crematorium, the same venue where his underworld rival Tam McGraw was cremated in August 2007. Ferris died on October 6 at the age of 62, having been admitted to University Hospital in Glasgow two days prior.

Ferris's coffin arrived at the crematorium, adorned with floral tributes, including one spelling out the word ‘Legend’ and another that read ‘Dad’. Pallbearers carried the coffin from the hearse as a bagpiper played. Orders of service were distributed, featuring a selection of songs including Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."

Both Ferris and McGraw had suffered knife injuries during a confrontation between them in 2002. McGraw, a prominent figure in Glasgow's gangland, died at the age of 55.

Ferris, a former gang leader and author, was known as ‘Houdini’ by police for his ability to evade serious criminal charges. He first gained public attention in 1992 when he was acquitted of the murder of Arthur Thompson Jnr, son of Glasgow crime godfather Arthur Thompson Snr, after what was then Scotland's longest-running trial.

In 1998, Ferris was convicted at the Old Bailey in London of conspiracy to transfer prohibited weapons, dealing in firearms, and possessing explosives, receiving a ten-year sentence reduced to seven on appeal. While imprisoned, he wrote his first book, "The Ferris Conspiracy," which was later adapted into the 2013 film "The Wee Man," starring Martin Compston.

The film depicted Ferris's rise from the Blackhill area of Glasgow in the 1970s and 1980s, serving as an enforcer for Arthur Thompson Snr. Ferris maintained he had left crime behind after his release in 2002, pursuing legitimate business interests in security and construction, and publishing several books about his life.

Ferris is survived by his wife Carolyn and their five children: Paul, Dean, Carolyn, William, and John-Paul. His brother, Billy Ferris, died in prison last year at the age of 75, having been convicted of murder in 2003.