Sad news

Richard Pankhurst, 1940-2013
Photo: Paul Smith

There are still a couple of places left on this summer's boat-trip off the Isle of Lewis, although a shadow has been cast this week by the very sad death of Dr. Richard Pankhurst, VC Recorder for the Outer Hebrides.

Anyone fortunate enough to meet this lovely man, a superb field botanist, kind and patient teacher and a pioneer in the use of computers for Plant ID, will appreciate what a huge loss this is. Those more eloquent and who knew him better will find the right words but I'd just like to remember him in the field last summer, smiling and surrounded by flowers.

Paul Smith, the other VC Recorder,  has been working with Richard for some years towards a new Flora of the Outer Hebrides, hence the annual trips to record on a different island each year. This year's field trip will go ahead and I know we will all enjoy seeing and recording the flora of the area, but it won't be quite the same without Richard.