You were such a good influence on my life. My Dad was happy. I remember the days walking Lurcher Pablo down the links and all the other lovely places throughout the beautiful Highlands with you. I’ve still got a painting of yours that you gifted to me, a portrait of myself (thanks). I remember helping build a path that linked Ivy Cottage and The Oriel (you and Dad’s properties). That in itself was beautiful. I am happy I got to spend years with you both up in Tain. Feel like I am going on a bit but there is so much more to be said. Marion, a great person. You did so much helping me when I was a kid and my father also. I miss you and think of the good old days every time I see that painting. I started painting and enjoying art because I wanted to be like you. I remember seeing wild highland foxes (beautiful compared to city ones) and red squirrels in the wild for the first time. I remember the strawberries growing in Ivy Cottages garden. I remember your studio with your works in progress. Wild flowers picked on walks and seeds left to reach planting time. Pablo the Saluki/Greyhound that you and Dad rescued from a shelter. Pablo was the best dog I’ve ever met. Me going to grab newspapers from the post office, for Grandmother Florrie in the St Duthus and Dad at home. Florrie would try give me money but I would refuse. My dad died a happy man and that’s because you were by his side. I miss you both and could go on and on. I think about you both when something triggers it, a memory perhaps. Writing this helps me. Miss you. Love, Jack. Thanks for being part of my life and helping Dad. Thanks Marion, you’re a star. X

Marion lived next door to my parents for a number of years and they were good friends. I remember her fondly whenever I look at the two pieces of hers I have which she did for me of Struie Viewpoint and The Fendom/Dornoch from Tain Hill.

Marion was the best friend my late buddy Rodney Duncan could have had. She cared for him and she gave over her home to my wife and I when we visited Rod not long before his death. The four of us had a tremendous "last supper" in Helmsdale, despite the snow and freezing temperatures in February 2009 before he died a few weeks later. The hooly at the Duthus was also memorable.