Tributes paid to popular UHI lecturer Dr Anthony Luke who died after a mountaineering accident in Glencoe
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Tributes have been paid to an “inspirational” lecturer who died after a fall in the Scottish mountains.
Dr Anthony Luke (55), a science and chemistry lecturer at Inverness College UHI, died as the result of a fall in Glen Coe on July 7.
A fundraising campaign for Glencoe Mountain Rescue, who were involved in his rescue, has been set up by college staff in his memory.
Mr Luke’s funeral took place yesterday at Inverness Crematorium before a gathering at the college.
Born in Middlesbrough, Mr Luke studied at Newcastle and for his PhD at Durham University before moving to the Highlands in 2008, with his wife Helen and children following in 2009.
He initially worked for Highland Council as a contaminated land
officer, until he took up a post at
the college in 2015.
His family said this is where Mr Luke “truly found his niche and absolutely adored teaching the students”.
His students describe him as a “dapper man” who inspired them with his enthusiasm for his subject.
He was well-known throughout the college for his impeccable dress, and he considered anything other than a shirt, tie, trousers and braces to be unacceptable work attire.
Even during the months of online tutoring for students, each morning before he was due to appear on his students’ screens, he would dress just as smartly as he would to deliver an in-person lecture, even applying his favourite aftershave as a finishing touch.
When he took part in the 2019 Etape Loch Ness challenge – a 66-mile bike ride around the loch – he attracted much attention by doing it in his work clothes, braces and all.
A college spokeswoman said: “He was a hugely popular member of staff at the college and will always be remembered with great fondness for his fierce intellect, wicked sense of humour and passion for science, which shone through in his teaching.
“He was highly commended in the 2021 Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Awards in the category of most engaging online lecturer, with students describing him as a lecturer who went ‘above and beyond’ to engage, encourage, support and inspire.”
Mr Luke was a regular contributor to Inverness Science Festival and, more recently, the Salters’ Institute Festivals of Chemistry, where he used his talents behind the camera to inspire the younger generation by showing them how science can be fun.
His passion were not limited to learning, and he had a lifelong love of hillwalking and photography. The Highland mountains are described by his family as his “second home”, and they regularly went for long hikes during weekends and holidays.
The spokeswoman continued: “He was a dear friend, valued colleague, much loved lecturer and mentor to many. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Students led tributes to their lecturer.
Laura Johnson said: “The most dapper man in the UHI. You will be missed by all, whether they knew you as their lecturer, colleague or simply from the impact you made with your unique style and big smile.”
Natasha Pritchard said: “Anthony was the one person who knew more than just science and every lesson was exciting. Taken from the world far too early.”
Fern Girvan added: “Anthony will be sorely missed. Losing your life in this way should never happen to anyone, and hopefully will happen less with Glencoe Mountain Rescue supported. “
Mr Luke is survived by his three children, Charlotte, Hannah and James, and “an eclectic assortment of cats”.
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, numbers were limited at Mr Luke’s funeral.
Staff, students and friends of the college are invited to make a donation in his memory at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dr-luke-inverness-college-uhi in aid of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team.
READ: Student sadness after death at Inverness city campus
