Tributes have been paid to a former leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, described as “an incredibly popular man” who was dedicated to his community.
Norman A Macdonald OBE from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, known as “Dokus”, passed away on Monday 6th April. He was 69.
Mr Macdonald was elected to the comhairle in 1997 in a by-election for the Uig Ward and represented his home area continuously until standing down in 2022.
He held many posts including chairing the transportation committee, environmental and protective services committee and Sgoiltean Ùra, culminating in his election as convener in 2012, succeeding Alex Macdonald.
He was also a member of the Shucksmith Committee on Crofting in 2008/09, was a long-standing board member of the Hebridean Housing Partnership, a member of the Integration Joint Board and convener of Mòd Nan Eilean Siar in 2016.
Prior to his election to the comhairle, Mr Macdonald worked for 17 years in community education. Away from his council duties, he was a community stalwart in Uig.
He served as a retained firefighter for 30 years until his retirement in 2023, including 15 years as watch commander. He was one of the driving forces behind the building of a new community centre in Uig, a founding director of the Uig Community Shop and a member of the Uig Gala Day committee.
Councillor Kenny Macleod, convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “As an officer, elected member and convener there are few that have made as significant a contribution to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the communities of the Western Isles as Norman Macdonald. Dokus was an incredibly popular man and dedicated elected representative. In his home area of Uig and across the Western Isles Dokus will be remembered for his community ethos, humour and genuine desire to improve things for those living in our islands. Dokus will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with all those who knew him particularly his wife Pat and his children Peter, Kenny and Sarah.”
The flag at Stornoway’s council offices flew at half-mast on Tuesday, as it will on the day of his funeral. Details of funeral arrangements will be confirmed later.
MP Torcuil Crichton said: “I’m very sad to hear of the passing of Norman ‘Dokus’ MacDonald, he led his community and worked on behalf of these islands almost all of his adult life.
“I first met Dokus when I was a teenager and he was a youth worker at the Valtos outdoor centre and I last saw him, five decades later, dancing the night away at a cèilidh in the Uig hall.
“He was community through and through, committed to improving the lives and helping people in the many roles he undertook. He did so with a gentle cheerfulness and kindness towards everyone he met.
My sympathies to Pat, his children and the wider family.”
