Crofting stalwart in Queen's Birthday Honours

Neil Macleod

13 June 2015

A crofting leader who has spent his life in agriculture in the Western Isles has received a British Empire Medal for his services to the industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Neil Macleod - a former chairman of the Scottish Crofters’ Federation - has been involved in fighting for the sector for decades, securing a number of developments for the islands’ rural community on the way.

The 68-year-old of Stornoway and his business partner set up a successful engineering firm - Hebridean Engineering - about 40 years ago.

Now technically retired, he still runs a flock of sheep and is heavily committed to crofting on top of a new role as a weaver and the chair of the Harris Tweed Weavers' Association.

Mr Macleod said he was surprised when he realised the award letter was genuine.

He said: “I thought at first it was just a wind up by one of my mates. I didn’t expect it all and I am very humbled and honoured at this award.”

“Crofting and weaving are in the blood of many islanders. “Both are synonymous and work together.

“I am very proud to have represented both at the highest level.”

Mr Macleod is adamant crofting is “worth fighting for."

He believes it has a good future though accepts the constant struggle to fight its corner with government is challenging.

He said: “My maxim is if you are not at the table with the main players then you are on the menu.”

He says he could not have managed without the support, help and patience of his wife Ann.

He was one of a group at the forefront to establish a crofter-run auction mart for Lewis and Harris, to provide a vital sales outlet for local livestock.

Mr Macleod - a founder member of the local sheep producers’ association - is often called upon as a livestock judge at agricultural shows.

He also has the distinction of winning first prize for a cheviot ram at the top agricultural show in Scotland, the Royal Highland Show. He is believed to be the only islander to have won such an accolade.

Many years ago, as school board vice-chair, he fought to save the Lews Castle School which was a leading light in offering vocational courses for youngsters.

The qualified athletics coach also help set up the Stornoway Running Club.