The veterinary profession owes Alastair a great debt of gratitude for his enormous contribution to the RCVS. He led in many areas but probably his contributions to Europe and the Nursing will be the most significant.

I joined the Council in 1986 and was guided by him with patience and wit despite what he described as my confrontational approach. I consider it a great honour to represent the President and Council of the RCVS at his funeral.