It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we record the passing away, in Skye on November 25, after a short illness, of Dr Alasdair Maclean. Dr Maclean was a member of a distinguished Raasay family whose gifts and talents were notable not only in the Highlands but nationally and internationally.
Dr Alasdair was a brother of Somhairle (Sorley), the erudite Highland poet whose works will be remembered as of outstanding merit in the field of twentieth-century writing. The Maclean family comprised five sons and two daughters: John, Somhairle, Calum, Alasdair, Norman, Ishbel, and Mary.
Like the rest of the family, Dr Alasdair received his early education in the local primary school in Raasay, and later at Portree High School. From there he proceeded to St Andrews University, where he studied medicine and graduated in 1941 MB ChB. Following this, he joined up for military service and served in India and Burma with the RAMC.
After returning from service he took up his chosen career, and worked for short periods in Dingwall, Dundee, Laggan, Broadford, and Perth, before taking up a medical practice in South Uist in 1950. For the next 32 years he remained in South Uist as a GP and medical superintendent of the Sacred Heart Hospital in Daliburgh.
With so many exponents of history, folklore, Gaelic music, culture, and genealogy living around him, Dr Alasdair was inspired to research and write on many of these subjects. In 1982 he wrote his first book, A MacDonald for the Prince, the fascinating story of Neil MacEachen of Howbeg, who shielded Bonnie Prince Charlie and whose son was later to become Napoleon's Marshall Macdonald and Duke of Tarentum. His interest in Jacobite history continued, and in 1992 his second book appeared under the title Summer Hunting A Prince.
In 1994 he edited, meticulously prepared, and revised a new edition of History of Skye, the precious book of his uncle, Alexander Nicolson. More recently, he edited and consolidated William MacKenzie's books Lochdar Trondairnis and Old Skye Tales. He wrote for many journals and periodicals, and often contributed to radio programmes. He was also much in demand as a guest speaker. Locally, he was keenly involved in the work of shoring-up and maintaining the various historical buildings and relics on St Columba's Isle at Skeabost.
Like other members of his family, he loved old Gaelic songs and bagpipe music, and was a regular attender at the Silver Chanter and Blair Castle competitions.
Dr Maclean married Rena MacAskill of Drynoch in 1947, a gracious lady and a loving helpmate. Their home was always open for hospitality, and a stranger was never left to feel ill at ease, as they both were always so kind and caring. Four of their five sons have made their homes away from Skye, but one lives on the island with his family.
Many tributes will be paid to Dr Alasdair for his work as a skilful doctor in South Uist, where he practised for such a long time. His many friends and acquaintances will remember him as a kindly, unassuming, and courteous gentleman who made such good use of his life for the benefit of others.
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