It is with great sadness I learned today of Paul’s passing. I first met Paul, or “Mac” as I knew him in October 1973 when we started our undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh. We became good friends during our student days, playing music together, hillwalking, frequenting Edinburgh’s many bars and trying to master “Space Invaders” in King’s Buildings Union during lab breaks. Mac was always great fun to be with and tackled every new opportunity with huge enthusiasm.  I have watched from a distance and with immense pride, all of his academic achievements since he left Edinburgh in 1979. His passion for his research and his outstanding commitment to teaching clearly defined him. That is reflected in all of the contributions from those who knew him as a researcher and educator and whose lives he influenced so positively. I just knew him as an old pal; an old pal I was very proud to have but one I saw far too infrequently. We last spoke just before Christmas on Zoom. He told me how ill he was and I was amazed he was still teaching.

Rest in peace,  Mac. It was a privilege knowing you.

“So come all ye at hame wi’ Freedom,Never heed whit the hoodies croak for doom.”