Richard Smith has left the building

Richard Smith's 13 years as editor of the BMJ and chief executive of the BMJ Group finally drew to a close last Friday.

Dr Smith, who developed a fondness for Scotland after studying medicine at Edinburgh University, suggested a ceilidh for his leaving party with journal staff. With characteristic good humour, he turned up not only kilted-out but wearing a garish orange wig, to be piped in to the sound of bagpipes.

“One thing I hate is pomposity. I've never liked the BMA's annual meeting with all …