Sad loss of north countryside ranger Marina
Caithness civic leader Willie Mackay has paid tribute to well known north countryside ranger Marina Swanson, who has died at the age of 44.
Marina was well known to many through her work for High Life Highland (HLH), organising and hosting guided walks, children's activities and a range of other events aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the natural world.
She died suddenly on Tuesday and is survived by husband Stuart and two children.
Councillor Mackay said: "I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Marina. She was a wonderful girl who worked tirelessly as a countryside ranger with High Life Highland.
"Marina had such a wonderful smile any time that I met up with her in the course of her work. She took a great interest in the Caithness countryside and what this beautiful county has to offer to locals and visitors.
"She had an admirable, outgoing personality – a real joy to talk to, full of knowledge of the far north, and very interested in the work going on within Highland Council.
"She will be sadly missed and my thoughts go out to her husband and two beautiful children."
HLH chief executive Steve Walsh said: “We were all shocked and deeply saddened by the news this week.
“Marina was a fantastic countryside ranger and touched the lives of many. Her passion for the environment shone through in her work and she was a fantastic ambassador for the ranger service. Her colleagues will miss her greatly.
“The thoughts of all of the HLH family are with Marina’s friends and family at this difficult time.”
One user of the countryside ranger service said: "This is such a sad loss. Marina was a gifted communicator with a very engaging style and she was a perfect ambassador for the ranger service in the north.
"Her passion for wildlife and the outdoors was evident to anyone who was fortunate enough to take part in one of her guided walks or attend her illustrated talks.
"She was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable in encouraging people of all ages to appreciate and enjoy nature and the environment."
