Duncan was easy to love. My husband, Bruce and I were immediately taken with him and his stories. It was several months after our first time together that I read his title "National Treasure" of Scotland, and then when I told him I'd heard The Herald had called him, "The bearer of the richest oral tradition in Europe". His reply was, "Yes, and they call me a national monument and you know what the dogs do to them."
Duncan thanked his parents and all the fishermen and crofters who shared their stories with him. He also credits the Travelers' culture which did not count wealth in money or possessions but in stories and songs that could never be lost as long as they were told again. He valued these stories and songs. He listened and learned them and told them. Now he is gone and we are left to listen and learn, to sing and to tell them. Thanks Duncan!