Mariella and I were in Palermo last week and could scarcely believe the very sad news. Apart from being one of the finest scholars of his generation Martin was admired and loved by all who came into contact with his brilliant and charismatic personality- we counted ourselves very privileged to have him as a good friend our sincere and profuse condolences to Cathy, Mairi, Stewart, Iona and other close members of the family-he will be sorely missed by many.