Funeral for Father Calum Maclellan 19/7/12
► Death of popular Eriskay priest
The funeral of Father Calum Maclellan, who died aged 86 at the weekend, takes place on Friday on his home island of Eriskay.
Maighstir Calum, as he was better known locally, had been in failing health for a period and was in hospital for the past few weeks. He died in Inverness in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Columba’s Cathedral in Oban this afternoon and his coffin is due to arrive off the MV Lord of the Isles in Lochboisdale tonight.
Fr Calum’s Funeral Mass is at 11am on Eriskay tomorrow (Fri) followed by the burial.
Fr Calum was one of the original leaders when the Western Isles broke out of under mainland control and were unified as a single local authority, then called Comhairle nan Eilean.
He was also a councillor and served as the council’s first vice-
They were both made Freemen of the Western Isles, the highest honour the Comhairle can confer, in 2004.
As a mark of respect the flags at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar offices are flying at half mast.
Comhairle convenor, Norman A MacDonald, said: “Father Calum was an inspiration to us all. One of the original pioneers of Comhairle nan Eilean, he was a true community leader who spoke for his people but he was also a man of kindness, humility and great humour. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Council leader Angus Campbell said: “Father Calum’s humanity and wisdom were instrumental in creating the new unified Council in 1974 and we have all benefitted from that work.
“The islands were blessed by his commitment and service to the people. Father Calum made a huge contribution to the islands; he touched the lives of many, he was loved by many, he will be missed by all.”