A dedicated volunteer with the Army Cadets on the Western Isles has been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Major Norman MacLeod (61), from 1st Battalion the Highlanders, was appointed an MBE, for his years of dedicated and outstanding service to the young people of the Western Isles.
Major MacLeod has been a volunteer with the organisation since 1978, having been a cadet himself. Norman started his career as an Adult Instructor with Back Detachment, where he remained for 13 years. In 1991 he was appointed as the Company Commander of Western Isles Company, a position he has now held for the last 30 years.
As well as his Company responsibilities, Major MacLeod is also the Battalion’s First Aid Officer. He trains both cadets and his fellow Adult Volunteers in First Aid Qualifications – from the British Heart Foundation’s Heartstart courses for cadets to First Aid at Work Courses for Senior Cadets and Adult Instructors.
Outwith cadets, Norman works with Lews Castle College UHI as the college’s Health & Safety Advisor.
The Battalion’s Commandant Colonel Mike MacDonald said: “Major MacLeod has been an inspirational youth leader for over 42 years. His selfless commitment, tireless energy, enthusiasm and devotion to the Western Isles Company has ensured its continued development. During his decades of service, he has provided life opportunities and helped to develop many hundreds of cadets and adult volunteers.”
