I also was one of Stanley Robertson's apprentices and will miss our regular chats on the phone. Although he had been in poor health for quite some time I still find it difficult to take in that he has finally gone.

I first met Stanley in the early seventies when I lived in Aberdeen for a year. I used to hear his songs and stories at the Aberdeen Folk Club. I did occasional floor spots at the club and Stanley was always supportive of my singing. Just before I left Aberdeen I invited some of my friends round for the evening and many of us performed. Stanley told us one of his eerie stories. It was getting dark so I asked Stanley if I could put on the light - and he said No!   So we were all sat in the dark listening to Stanley telling a story about a body and a coffin. All of a sudden out of the dark came Stanley's voice - BOO!   And we all jumped!

I didn't see Stanley again until 2004 at Whitby Folk Week.   I had caught up with storytelling the previous year at Whitby. Now Stanley and I renewed our friendship and Stanley became my mentor. He taught me several of his stories, though the glimpse into the way of a traditional performer was just as important. We talked regularly on the phone and I went up to visit him. He recommended me to Whitby Folk Week, and I had the enormous privilege of being a guest performer there last year, performing alongside him.

Stanley supported me as a singer, storyteller and writer. I am currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University. He has been a huge influence on me. Stanley has been my mentor, a very dear friend and a second father to me.

My condolences go to his family.

Diane Taylor