Kenneth John takes up deputy lieutenancy post

Donald Martin, LordLieutenant for the Western Isles, has announced the appointment of Kenneth John MacLennan MBE of Callanish, Isle of Lewis, as a Deputy Lieutenant.

Mr MacLennan fills a vacancy created by the passing of the late Simon Fraser OBE in 2016.

Mr MacLennan, who was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2007 for services to the local community, is a retired local government officer who spend 33 years with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

He is currently a part-time inspector and stamper with the Harris Tweed Authority and an active crofter.

A native Gaelic speaker, Mr MacLennan was born and brought up in Callanish and attended Breasclete and The Nicolson Institute schools before attending Napier College in Edinburgh where he studied Civil Engineering.

He is actively involved in several community groups and is the current chairman of Breasclete Community Association, Urras Oighreachd

Charlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust) and East Loch Roag Historical Society, as well as a community councillor on Breasclete Community Council.

Married with a grown-up family of four, he and his wife Joan, who is from South Uist, have five grandchildren.

In his role as chairman of the Breasclete Community Association, Kenneth John MacLennan welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to its centre in 2019.

In congratulating Mr MacLennan on his appointment, the Lord-Lieutenant said: ‘I am delighted to appoint Kenny John as a Deputy Lieutenant and I look forward to working with him on behalf of the Lieutenancy.

‘In addition to his long career with the council’s technical services department, he has a strong background and wide experience in community activities at various levels on the west side of Lewis.

‘His appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant recognises the valuable contribution Kenny John has made to community development and voluntary work over many years.’

Commenting on his appointment Kenny John said: ‘It is a great honour for me to become part of the Lieutenancy team and I look forward to working with the Lord-Lieutenant, his Deputies and Clerk.

‘It is also very humbling to replace Simon Fraser, who was a friend and a very well-respected gentleman, not only in our own community but throughout the Western Isles.’

The Western Isles Lieutenancy comprises the Lord-Lieutenant who is HM The Queen’s representative in the area. He is supported by a Vice Lord-Lieutenant (Mrs Elizabeth McAtear), up to a maximum of 10 Deputy Lieutenants and a Lieutenancy Clerk (Miss Margaret Mackay).

Further information on the work of the Western Isles Lieutenancy is available on www.westernisleslieutenancy. org.uk