2019 Honorary Fellowships
Four honorary fellowships were awarded in 2019, to John Macdonald, Alasdair (Alexander) Munro, Annie Macsween and Malcolm Macdonald
John Macdonald
John, a life-long resident in Rogart, has been a local historian for over fifty years and is a prodigious author. He continues to serve his local community in Sutherland through his work in history, music and crofting politics to support community education, academic research, public service and cultural work. John was instrumental in the setting up of a heritage society in Rogart, the Sutherland Accordion and Fiddle Club and was a first council member of the Scottish Crofters Union. He is also a mentor of postgraduate students, helping to show how they can apply their theoretical knowledge to ‘on the ground’ evidence. John Macdonald received his award at the North Highland College Graduation in September.
Alasdair Munro
Professor Alasdair (Alexander) Munro has been awarded an honorary fellowship in recognition of his activities in education, industry, public service or cultural and creative work. Professor Munro, from Inverness, has been a driving force in the development of healthcare in the Highlands and Islands during his 50-year career and the award recognises his personal contribution and the leading role he played in the growth of the university in the area of health. He received his award alongside 300 students at the Inverness College UHI graduation ceremony in October.
Malcolm Macdonald
Malcolm Macdonald, who grew up in Stornoway, co-authored The Darkest Dawn with the late Donald John MacLeod. Published in 2018, the book details the tragedy of the Iolaire, a ship which sank near Stornoway harbour in January 1919 causing the loss of many Royal Navy reservists returning home at the end of the First World War.
The book was a culmination of 20 years of research and royalties are being given to Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway on an annual basis. Over £8,800 was donated in June. Mr Macdonald, who has chaired the Stornoway Historical Society for over a decade, lost his grandfather in the disaster.
Malcolm MacDonald received his award at the Lews Castle College UHI graduation in August.