Missing Applecross fisherman honoured

A COMMUNITY wind turbine near Achiltibuie has been named after the boat of a missing Applecross fisherman.

Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) has honoured Alasdair MacLeod by naming one of its turbines after his fishing boat, Varuna.

Alasdair, 57, was reported missing last Monday when his boat was found on rocks north of Applecross Bay with its engine running.

Searches for the father-of-four were made by the RNLI, police and coastguard teams, including a crew from Coigach.

Police in Skye and Lochalsh have now scaled back the search for Alasdair.

Last week, Alasdair’s family thanked everyone involved in the search but admitted there is now ‘no chance’ he will be found.

CCDC has shown support for Alasdair's family and villagers of Applecross. In a statement released this week, CCDC said: ‘Ali Macleod’s boat was named Varuna - a reference to the majesty of sky and sea, justice and truth, and this was the suggested name that set us back on our heels.

‘Notwithstanding the naming competition, and with apologies for those who made other suggestions, CCDC directors felt Varuna would be a very good name for our turbine.

‘Not only is its literal meaning appropriate, but the tribute it would pay to an admirable man and friend of Coigach, and the link with his community, would be particularly fitting.’