Michael will be remembered as one of Scotland's most distinguished and most respected dental practitioners. He qualified from the University of Edinburgh in 1959 with the Gold Medal and, after house jobs at 'The Royal' there, won a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship which gave him the opportunity to spend a year at the highly esteemed North Western University Dental School in Chicago. So highly were his skills regarded there, that they tried to persuade him to stay on the Faculty. Michael demurred in order to take one of his — subsequently perennial — 'journeys on a shoe-string', discovering other countries and cultures.

We first met Michael as primary FDS students, living together at Nuffield College in Lincoln's Inn Fields in 1963 We remained lifelong friends and regard ourselves especially fortunate in that we met at an age where such friendships generate a depth of the utmost quality. As our professional careers diverged, we regularly came together to compare notes, prejudices and ambitions.

His own career was notable for the exceptional quality of his clinical work, the loyalty and honesty with which he related to his patients, and the rightful respect in which he was held, as was amply demonstrated by their presence at his funeral service in Edinburgh on 11 July 2005

In addition to his professional skills, Michael's interests were both far-reaching and highly informed. He had a detailed knowledge of matters ranging from the history of ocean liners and aircraft to ornithology and horticulture. As a young man, he competed in Scottish golf championships and was a lifelong member of Muirfield.

Michael was an acute observer of human nature, outwardly expressed by his outstanding photographic skills — certainly technically, but especially artistically. These skills were admired and acknowledged professionally and deeply appreciated by his many friends and acquaintances. Organising this material from the charmingly distrait state in which it existed was a task he looked forward to with relish once his travelling days were over.

His retirement from active practice a few years ago led to renewed peregrinations, including two extensive scientific survey trips to the Antarctic. His brave final trip was a return to Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

During his difficult last weeks in the Western Infirmary in Edinburgh, Michael's customary warm good humour remained unchanged. The memory of his smile at the pleasure of a visit from us is something we will always cherish.

He was a credit to our profession and we are fortunate to have been his friends.

He was a credit to our profession and we are fortunate to have been his friends.