Sorrow at death of MacNeil of Barra

Commenting on the death this morning of MacNeil of Barra, Iain Roderick, 46^th chief of Clan MacNeil, Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil said:

“Iain Roderick was much loved and respected in Barra, news of his death will be greeted with feelings of sadness and loss.  He achieved many things in his lifetime.  He was a Professor of Law at North Western University in Chicago, USA and pioneered legal innovations.  As a university lecturer he counted one, Barak Obama, amongst his students.

“He was person who delighted in other people. He was active in the Barra community in protecting the Island Air Service from proposed Scottish Executive cuts 8 years ago.  As Landowner he gave his lands to the government and leased his Castle to Historic Scotland for a thousand years for a bottle of whisky a year. He had a strong interest in crofting and made considered submissions on the Crofting Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Iain was a remarkable person, not just because he headed one of Scotland’s oldest clans, but because he was an immensely kind, learned man who devoted his considerable talents to helping his community.

“As well as working tirelessly to safeguard the future of Kisimul Castle in Barra, Iain had a notable career as a Professor of Law in the States, a knowledge which he put to formidable use in defending the interests of Barra.  That could take many forms, whether it was in arguing for the interests of the island’s fishermen or its crofters.  Indeed, to Iain’s immense credit he secured public ownership of the island itself.

“I will personally miss Iain greatly, as I had the honour of working with him on a number of occasions, where his wit and good nature were put to use in equal measure. People in Barra, I know, are very sorry to hear of his passing. Along with them, I would like to express my sympathies to his widow Nancy, and to his children Rory (47th MacNeil of MacNeil), Jenny and Sandy.”