Linda was born in Arbroath Scotland in 1954 and qualified in medicine at Aberdeen University. She did her psychiatry training in Edinburgh and took up a consultant post in old age psychiatry in Portsmouth in 1984. She was elected MRCPsych in 1985. She was a remarkable person. She battled with health problems for 10 years having developed breast cancer and later failing sight. She never let her poor health interfere with her tremendous capacity for work. She was psychiatric tutor for several years, became a college examiner and lead consultant in old age psychiatry. She was passionate about providing and maintaining high-quality care for elderly patients and carers. She took a particular interest in early onset dementia.

Linda had terrific drive and determination. She was kind, compassionate and extremely generous. She could be relied upon to do the right thing, to go the extra mile for patients and friends. She had a great sense of fun. She was a devoted mother and loved to spend time with her family and friends. She was an accomplished entertainer and loved shopping, particularly in New York. She appreciated good books and Scottish Art.

Linda died peacefully on 13 October 2003. She leaves her parents, her husband Tom, two teenage sons and many friends, colleagues and appreciative patients. She has influenced the lives of many and will be sadly missed.