For Andy Rolph who died in a tragic diving accident, August 2013.

I first met Andy at a Forensic Soil Conference in Edinburgh. His company R2S (Return to Scene) had a computer demonstration running in the foyer on the work they did collecting forensic evidence at scenes of crime. We chatted for a while. He gave me his card. I visited their Aberdeen headquarters. And Andy in the guise of Roy Hunter and his team became an integral part of the Rhona MacLeod books. He was so enthusiastic and generous with his knowledge and his support. We did many events together, particularly science festivals where forensic fact met forensic fiction. When I wrote my opening chapter of Picture Her Dead, I went to consult the team and pitch the scene to them. They all talked with great enthusiasm about what they would do to recover the forensic data. I left and Andy said they were bereft, because they suddenly realised there was no such scene to deal with!

Andy was a great supporter of Bloody Scotland and his event last year was one of the first to sell out. He was meticulous and kind. A man of integrity and steadfastness.

I will miss him. Rhona MacLeod will miss him. Bloody Scotland will miss him.

Lin Anderson

 

 

EVENT CANCELLATION

Due to Andy’s tragic death, his event ‘Fascinating Forensics – An Orkney Murder’ and the crime scene reconstruction have now been cancelled.