Meet the People

Roderick Alexander MacDonald

BT Network Planner (Ret'd)

I returned to my native home of Harris in 2008 after working 41 years with BT. My various roles with BT involved Network Planning & Operations and during the last 25 years covered various managerial posts in the Operations Division.

I currently serve as Secretary of the Isle of Harris Golf Club and as a member of their Development Committee, which is proposing a major investment to enhance the facilities there. This complements my work with The West Harris Trust, in its economic strategy of a healthier objective, promoting visitor access and the enjoyment of local amenities.

I have been married to Morag for 34 years and have a grown up family of three.

I am very interested in the history of the West Side, having returned to live in the original family home which was built in the 1930s. For me the Trust is a means to encourage and rejuvenate the West Side of Harris and turnaround the population decline.

Neil Campbell

Chartered Accountant & Business Adviser

I was born and brought up on the Isle of Skye. Following my marriage to Rhoda in 2001 we decided to settle on her family croft in Scaristavore where we have developed luxury self catering accommodation. I believe strongly in community organisations and take an active role on Harris as: Chair of Harris Development Ltd; a Director of NHS Western Isles; member of South Harris Community Council and Clerk of Scaristavore township. I was formerly a senior partner in a Skye based Chartered Accountants practice serving the Outer Hebrides and Skye & Lochalsh.

We have two children, Rachel who is in primary three at Seilebost school and Angus aged four, who has the 'distinction' of being the only pre-school child resident on the West Side. Rhoda's grandfather was one of the initial tenants settled on the Estate by the Government in the 1940's.

I have believed in the value of a community owned Trust for several years now. I am particularly keen to see additional young families settle in the community to ensure that my son Angus has friends and classmates when he starts school next year.

Gordon Cumming

Estate Manager

Throughout my working life I have always been involved in management of the countryside, principally for conservation but also for sporting purposes. I have been employed by Borve Lodge Estate for the last 10 years managing the sporting interests over the same land that is now passing onto the WHT. I am familiar with the land, the opportunities and the issues governing its development.

I believe one of the key limitations has been the lack of a cohesive motivated group within the community to take projects forward. As the West Side Buyout progressed and The West Harris Trust was created, I was delighted to become a Director in a Trust that I knew would seize the opportunities available to invigorate our community.

I have a family, with two young children and we have just recently acquired the tenancy of a croft. I now see the Trust playing a key role in our future, facilitating projects that will attract more people, improve the local economy and the environment. Ultimately allowing us to maintain and improve local services and retain the school that forms the hub of our community.

Murdo MacKay

Development Officer

I work as an Economic Development Officer for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar with responsibility for Crofting and Land Resource in particular. Prior to my current post I worked as National Coordinator for the Initiative at the Edge, a government scheme aimed at strengthening community development in the most fragile areas of Scotland.

I moved to Harris from Achmore in Lewis over 25 years ago in order to work in the fish farming industry, latterly as production manager for Stolt Sea Farm. I serve as a Director of Harris Development Ltd and am a member of Luskentyre Grazings Committee and Shelibost School Parents Council.

I own and manage two self-catering cottages in Luskentyre with my wife Isobel. We have three children, all of school age. I hope the work we do for the local area can help build confidence and belief in the people and the place. We live in a fantastic area with a great quality of life but we need to work hard to provide longevity through business, housing and partnerships.