A DAD who suffered a heart attack out of the blue has told how it sent him on a path to become an artist.

Retired I.T expert William Laing, who is originally from the Port, is now holding his first art exhibition at the age of 62.

He developed an interest in art from an early age but did not pursue it professionally until after he took ill suddenly.

Greenock Telegraph:

His unexpected heart attack sent him on a path to showcase his unique abstract and computer based art.

The dad-of-two, who lives in the west end of Greenock, said: "I did some arts stuff when I was a kid and also photography, wedding and events.

"I actually met my wife Barbara, who was working for photographer Norman Burniston at the time."

But William ended up on a different career path. He studied biology at university and later worked for IBM and their partners Castle Capacitors in Bellshill.

Superfit William is a keen cyclist, runner, member of Glenpark Harriers and played hockey for Greenock High and badminton for the church league.

He and Barbara have a daughter Christie, 30, and son Connor, 25.

Until recently his artwork had mostly been confined to decorating his kids' bedrooms.

He said: "I spent time painting bedroom scenes for my kids and friends' children. We were busy bringing up our family."

When William suffered his heart attack four years ago it made him re-evaluate his life.

He said: "It was a complete shock as I didn't smoke or drink.

"I was getting ready to go to work one day and I had some shortness of breath and a pain across my back.

"My wife, who works at a doctor's surgery, recognised the signs. I'd had a few dizzy spells a week before and I thought I needed glasses."

William went to IRH and a blood test revealed what had happened and he then spent a week in hospital.

William said: "I was transferred to the Golden Jubilee who put a stent in to open up the artery."

During his recovery period he started sketching again.

He said: "I was still working at that time but it put things into perspective for me.

"I loved my job and the people I worked with, but I was also doing a lot of travelling."

He decided to retire, sparking the chain of events which has led all the way to his debut exhibition which takes place at Greenock Cricket Club this weekend.

He said: "I joined the Greenock Art Club for a bit of inspiration and went on to do an HNC at West College in Paisley and I loved it."

His friendship with a course tutor led to him joining the Glasgow Print Studio where he learned lino and wood cutting.

William said: "My work is mostly abstract and computer based. I had so much artwork lying about my house and converted a bedroom into a studio. Students usually have an end of year show but the the funding was pulled, so I just decided to hold my own exhibition at Greenock Cricket Club."

The exhibition and sale is entitled 'Echoes by WJL' and runs on both Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5.30pm on both days.