Margaret’s warmth and enthusiasm shone through from our earliest conversations, and was one of the key reasons I accepted a job offer to come and work in her team last year. She was so passionate about the value of research, statistics, and evaluation, and was really ambitious about making a difference to the department by providing high-quality evidence. She challenged all of us to deliver great work, while also being realistic about what was achievable (most of the time, anyway). But Margaret was also just a lovely person to chat to – I came out of every weekly catch-up feeling positive and having spent some time talking about cats, baking or other non-train related things. Her slightly mischievous sense of humour made me laugh, and always brightened things.  I’m sure her loss will be devastating to her family and friends. We’ll be thinking of them, and of Margaret….

Margaret was a valued mentor to me throughout the three and a half years I spent in her team at DfT. She was perhaps the most driven person I have ever had the pleasure to work with and although her standards seemed almost unreachable at times it was always clear these were rooted in unrivalled dedication to deliver the best public service possible. To get Margaret’s stamp of approval on a piece of work was always something to be extremely proud of, and worth the extra effort, a reflection of how esteemed her input was by all. Since moving on from DfT I very frequently find myself asking “what would Margaret think?” to everything I do, a practice that I’m sure will be with me for the rest of my career. Those who worked in Margaret’s team always knew she had their back and despite having more to do than hours in the day, she made time for everyone. Your contribution always felt noticed in Margaret’s team – you’d never go home before Christmas empty handed, there’d be chocolates, Panettone or even a wooden train to hang on your Christmas tree as her generous way of saying thank you….

An amazing colleague & friend for nearly 15 years in DfT then continuing when I moved to work at ORR. Margaret will be missed massively, both professionally and personally, in both organisations and across the rail industry more widely where she made signifciant contributions over many years. It was a pleasure to have known Margaret for such a long time. …

Such a devastating loss! My sincere condolences to Margaret’s family. She will be sorely missed by colleagues and all who worked with her. May her soul rest in peace….

I loved to stop and chat with Margaret whether it be about work or life. She always had some wisdom to offer and she often made me smile. She was such a champion for inclusion perhaps from having to take a stand for herself over the years and she made sure she did that for others too. Margaret’s strength and dedication to her work was an inspiration for many. She will be sorely missed.  …

My first impression of Margaret was of her straightforwardness – if she didn’t agree with something, she was upfront about it, and I witnessed some people getting that message whether they liked it or not! Of course, as I learned, this was because she had earned enormous respect from everyone that knew her and worked with her, for her expertise and dedication. Earlier this year I marvelled at her authority and aplomb as she effortlessly fielded questions from directors at Rail Strategy & Policy Board. It was sometime after my initial impression that I learned that she was also incredibly warm and friendly, and genuinely happy to help and work together. That’s what I’ll remember, and miss, about her….

It is impossible to convey just how much of a contribution Margaret made to the railway. I had the huge pleasure of working woth Margaret for several years. She was one of the most committed people that I have ever worked with – utterly dedicated, totally professional and always looking to do things better. More than that, she was great to be around – great with the team and widely respected, including by the rail industry. She leaves a massive gap, but her contribution to so much in the rail will go on. It was my very great pleasure to have known Margaret and I will miss her hugely….

Margaret was someone who will be missed and I was really sad to hear of her passing. Even though I only worked with her on occassion I always found she was just always so insightful with her perspective and always listened when people spoke and was willing to work towards a common consensus. She had this way of making everyone feel able to speak to her and was always happy to have a chat. I do remember one time getting in trouble with her for making a mistake… and honestly being terrified not of her being angry at me, but disappointed and I have never apologised so much in my life. But even then she didn’t shout or repremand me, she just instead just talked to me and advised me not to do it again which not only ensured I didn’t do it again but made me feel that she understood it was an honest mistake. She was all round just someone you couldn’t help but enjoy working with in whatever capacity that was….

Margaret was a tour de force, who passionately displayed and role-modelled all that is good about public service. She was a warm, kind, strong-minded colleague with just the right amount of cynicism and sarcasm thrown in for good measure. She will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go out to Margaret’s family. …

I will miss Margaret’s passion, her dedication to her work, the way she championed the needs of passengers above everything else. I will miss Margaret’s wisdom, her honest words, the way she fiercely supported and cared about her team. I will miss Margaret’s warmth, her infectious sense of humour, the way she made work *fun*, even when pressure was high. I will miss Margaret’s kindness, her listening ear, the way she would selflessly give of her time to help anyone else. But most of all, I will miss Margaret; my colleague, my mentor, and above all, my friend.   Nicole, your mum was amazing. My thoughts are with you, the rest of your family and everyone else close to her at this difficult time….

Margaret made me smile every time I saw her.  She had just the perfect amount of healthy Scottish scepticism and irreverent sense of humour – and such natural warmth that drew you in. It was inevitable that we would get on – and I’m sure I am not the only person who felt that way.  We worked well together, but what I remember most was our ongoing conversation about our daughters, who are the same age – I loved those times the most. Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss. Margaret was a diamond….

Margret was so kind to me from the day we first met.  I was new and very green to Rail and she just made me feel at ease every time we spoke. She always took time out to have a chat whenever, or wherever, she saw me.  She was so conscientious (and always working so late!) but no matter how heavy her workload was or whatever Minister she had to contend with, she was always calm, chilled and very funny!  Margaret is one of the warmest people I’ve ever known and she has left her mark on me.  My thoughts are with Margaret’s’ family and close friends at this time, my heart goes out to you all….

I worked with Margaret on many occaisions at DfT. What can I say?… she was a pleasure to work with, always helpful, always kind in short, a wonderful human being who is much missed. Rest in peace Margaret….

Very sad to hear of Margaret’s passing. She always brought such warmth, energy and humour to conversations. Even when she was putting you straight on some crucial point on statistics or research (because of course she was brilliant at her job) you always came away with a smile and thinking of more things to get wrong so she could correct you all over again. She will be very sorely missed….

I was deeply shocked and heartbroken to hear the sad news of Margaret passing. Margaret was a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. Margaret will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with the family and friends in these difficult times….