John Byrne was born in Paisley in 1940. After working as a slab boy mixing powder colour for a carpet manufacturer he attended Glasgow School of Art.

John's biography reflects his diverse talents, including artist, theatre and record designer, playwright, film maker and television writer. The Slab Boys in 1978 won him the Evening Standard's most promising playwright award and in 1986 John wrote the BAFTA award-winning television series 'Tutti Frutti'. This was followed by 'Your Cheatin' Heart' and countless other plays and films to the present day.

His work is held in major collections in Scotland and abroad, including the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Amongst many awards, in 2007 John was made member of the Royal Scottish Academy and is an Honorary Fellow of the GSA. He lives in Nairn in the Highlands.