Notorious Glasgow gangland enforcer Paul Ferris dies aged 62

Thompson, who had links to the Krays in London, was an old school Glasgow criminal known as The Godfather.

By the early 80s, Ferris had became part of his gang as an enforcer, someone who threatened and, when necessary, meted out violence. He rapidly built a fearsome reputation that extended beyond the city.

But their relationship took a remarkable twist in August 1991 when Arthur “Fat Boy” Thompson Jnr, was shot dead outside the family’s Provanmill home.

It was named The Ponderosa after the ranch in the hit US Western television series, Bonanza.

Ferris was arrested as the prime suspect in Thompson Jnr’s murder but two others were also incriminated.

His friends Joe “Bananas” Hanlon and Bobby Glover did not live to stand trial.

On the day of Thompson Jnr’s funeral both men were found shot dead in a car on the cortege route.

The murders remain unsolved.