My first encounter with Alastair was in 1972 when he spoke to us, the final year in Glasgow, as was his habit for all the vet schools. He managed to instill in us a respectful fear of the Disciplinary Committee whilst at the same time making us feel welcome and excited to become the next generation of vets. Ten years later, I found myself on RCVS Council and Alastair extended that same warm welcome once again. As the youngest and certainly most inexperienced member of Council, he seemed to understand my frustration about getting things done. He would suggest a morsel of advice which never failed to be both apt and quietly offered.

His wisdom and respectfully confident manner helped to gain esteem for the veterinary profession as a leader in European negotiations during the 1980s. It is no exaggeration to say that the European Professional Directive became both workable and effective due to his input in the early years. 

Alastair tolerated my sometimes poor time-keeping, naming me the “Late Judy MacArthur” – but always with humour and kindness. In terms of mentors in my life, Alastair surely ranks in the top tier and I’m eternally grateful to have been able to share a significant part of my life with him.