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 a 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 former cadet himself. Norman started his career as an Adult Instructor with Back Detachment, where he was there for 13 years and in 1991 was appointed as the Company Commander of Western Isles Company Commander, 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 training 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.
Out with the 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 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.”
