JOHNSTON McKay’s admirable but rather dry chronology of Laurence Whitley’s life (Herald Obituary, November 8) gives little sense of the exuberance with which he led it. I first knew him as an undergraduate at Edinburgh between 1968 and 1972 when we were both members of the Officers' Training Corps pipe band. I am sure many former members would join me in recalling Laurence’s wit, good humour, kindliness and simple joy of being alive and with people. We all knew his church background and his aims for the ministry but never felt inhibited in talking frankly with him about love, life and liberty. He had a fine way with words and was a regular broadcaster on BBC Scotland until an (in hindsight, misguided) operation left him with devastating tinnitus, which he bore with fortitude for the rest of his life.

My last communication with him was typical – he said he was "looking forward to the next great adventure". He lit up this world and I am sure he is lighting up the next.

James Fairbairn,

53 Langley Close, Oxford.