As an academic mathematician at Strathclyde University, Adam has influenced hundreds if not thousands of young mathematicians. His high standing with his peers has led to his being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and also as President of Scotland’s premier forum for mathematicians, the Edinburgh Mathematical Society.

But it is for his impact on youngsters and on school teachers that we really value him. Over the years he has regularly given talks to primary and secondary children all over the country; he has run masterclasses and helped at residential weekends. For a number of years he chaired the examination board’s Mathematics Panel and led the group which redesigned CSYS. And with a keen interest in challenging able youngsters, he has had a long-standing involvement with UKMT and led the British team at the International Mathematical Olympiad on four occasions.

Adam’s leadership roles have included chairing the Scottish Mathematical Council and the Council of The Mathematical Association. Moreover, he has contributed to at least 23 issues of the SMC Journal, and spoken at virtually every SMC Conference as far back as I can remember. And it is the energy and enthusiasm he brings to those talks that have teachers buzzing as they head for home. Some admit to having come to Conference just to hear Adam.

It is for the huge sweep of these activities that Adam was awarded an OBE in 1999 and recognition by the Scottish Mathematical Council was long overdue.