Tributes have been paid to a proud Drumchapel man who died while on holiday in Spain.

Robert Paterson, 53, passed away earlier this week during a Christmas break abroad.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Spain.”

In his last social media post, on Christmas Day, a smiling Robert shared: "All ready for Christmas gala lunch for 500 in our hotel. I'm going for the sirloin steak and trimmings for main, prawn cocktail for starters and Christmas pudding for afters."

Born on September 26, 1966, Robert lived with a spinal condition and was only around four feet tall. Later in life he used a wheelchair to get around.

Will Thomson says he has counted Robert as a friend since their days at Waverley Secondary in Drumchapel.

He said: "I didn't like school, but it helped me seeing him get through it - he made secondary easier.

"Rob knew everybody and everybody knew Rob. He didn't have it easy - he was an example of Drumchapel's resilience.

"How he coped with his disability throughout his life was uplifting. He came through the other end, and anytime you think of Robbie, it's a feeling of pride."

In 2018, he was a victim of a savage attack with a samurai sword from a man he allowed to live with him in Drumchapel. It left him scarred for life after five days in hospital.

Since news of Robert's passing, there was an outpouring of tributes on social media by those who knew and remembered him.

Yvonne Clifford wrote: "RIP Robert, heaven has gained an absolute gem."

Charlie DeSouza commented: "Pure gentleman - always for as long as I can remember fae being a wee lassie."

And MayTrainer Higgins said: "RIP Robert GBNF. Breathing. Easy. Now. Robert. No more struggling. You’re now in the arms of the angels."

Karen MacLeod posted: "RIP Robert. You will be missed by every one who knew you. Gone but never forgotten - you were some guy."

Stuart O'harney added: "RIP wee man. You were a small lad but stood out tall in a small community."