An Appreciation: Neil Smith (1954–2012)

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Notes

For instance, human geographers going on to Chair positions included Charlie Withers, Steven Daniels and Elspeth Graham, while John Lowe, Chris Caseldine and Kevin Edwards became professors in physical geography.

There is no question that Neil found subsequent financial constraints, particularly around securing agreements for new academic positions, pertaining at Aberdeen until around 2011 to be an especially frustrating ingredient in his involvement with the University. This did not stem suggestions for new initiatives, and it is unfortunate that Neil's passing coincides with advertisements and interviews for a Chair and lecturing posts in human geography for which he had agitated enthusiastically.

He joined the editorial board of this journal in 1995.

See for instance: http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/homes/tslater/tributetoNeilSmith.html.

KJE notes that he seemed especially interested in the fate of the St Kildans in the face of pollution which might have derived partly from the addition of seabird carcases rich in zinc and lead as fertilizers to the soils of Hirta, the main island of St Kilda. This gelled with his interests in society, history and birds.