Comhairle convener steps down after more than 40 years’ service

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar convener, Norman A Macdonald, chaired his final meeting of the comhairle last week, having indicated that he will not be looking to return in the local government elections in May, writes Mark Entwistle.

Councillor Macdonald, pictured, joined the comhairle as community education officer/youth worker in 1980, a post which he held until he was elected to the comhairle in a by-election in 1997.

To put that into context, this year sees him mark 42 years’ of service with the council – 17 as an officer and 25 as an elected member.

Comhairle leader, Roddie Mackay, paid tribute saying: ‘In his time with the comhairle he has had several key roles, including vice-chair of Environmental Services Committee, chairman of both Transportation Committee and Environment and Protective Services Committee, and chairman of the Board of Sgoiltean Ura LLP.

‘He has, of course, also been convener of the Comhairle since 2012, and on behalf of the whole council, I’d like to thank him for his companionship and significant contribution to the workings of the authority over many years. ‘Norman always managed to get things done, and if it was something which would benefit the community and community groups, he would always find a way.

‘I’m quite sure that his community in Uig are very grateful for his diligent service as their local member over the past 25 years.’

Mr Macdonald has also managed to fit in other roles for the islands and the Uig community, not least director at Community Learning Scotland; Watch manager at Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service; director at Western Isles Enterprise; director at Urras Studio Alba; chairman of Gaelic Language and Culture Forum; director of the European Bureau of Lesser Used Languages; chairman of Community Retailing Network; chairman of Uig Development Trust; chairman of Uig Community Co-operative and director of Scotland Excel.