The co-author of a book on the Iolaire disaster and a champion of Gaelic education have been awarded honorary fellowships by the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Malcolm Macdonald and Annie Macsween were presented with the awards at the Lews Castle College UHI graduation ceremony at Martin’s Memorial Church on Stornoway.
Honorary Fellowships are given to people who have made a significant contribution to the university or who have gained recognition for their activities in education, industry, public service or cultural and creative work.
Mr 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 more than 200 men 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. More than £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.
Born and brought up in Ness on the Isle of Lewis, Annie Macsween’s career has focused on enhancing the status of Gaelic and the lives of those who live in the Western Isles.
She began her professional life as a Gaelic teacher at The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway in 1973 and held posts with organisations including the Van Leer Community Education Project and the Western Isles Council before joining Lews Castle College UHI in 1994.
She was part of the team which introduced the university’s first BA degree in Gaelic and has represented Lews Castle College UHI and the university at many Gaelic forums.
Mrs Macsween was appointed as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles in 2011, a role which sees her assist the Lord Lieutenant in his role as The Queen’s representative.
The duo were presented with their honorary fellowships alongside 61 graduating students and award winners.
