Tribute paid to former Gaelic ambassador

The Highland Council’s Gaelic spokesman, Councillor Hamish Fraser has paid tribute to the memory of Mr Neil McKechnie, former head teacher of Dingwall Primary School, long serving councillor and an ambassador for the Gaelic language and culture.

Councillor Fraser, Chairperson of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Implementation Group, said: “Neil was a highly effective Head Teacher of Dingwall Primary School and continued his community spirit by representing the town on the district and regional councils. At all times, he was a great ambassador of the Gaelic language and culture.

“Neil made a huge contribution to Gaelic and cultural development in Ross-shire and across the Highlands, not least in championing the development of Feis Rois. He was President of An Comunn Gàidhealach and would attend, chair and adjudicate many of the competitions both at the National and local Mòds. The Gaelic and cultural community are mourning the loss of a true Argyll Island gentleman. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Councillor McKechnie served on the former Ross and Cromarty District Council and the former Highland Regional Council (1986-94), where he was Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee between 1988-94.

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