One of Scotland’s best known Gaelic campaigners has died.
John Macleod – also called Iain – passed away suddenly at his home in Edinburgh on Thursday night at the age of 66 years.
For ten years up to 2017 he was the president of An Comunn Gàidhealach which organises the annual Royal National Mòd, one of the top Scottish cultural festivals.
Mr Macleod who originally hailed from Carloway on Lewis lived in the capital since joining the police force in 1970.
John Macleod was an active supporter of Gaelic over many years and his involvement with Gaelic development increased dramatically following his retirement from Lothian and Borders Police in 2000.
The former police inspector had been chairman of the National Gaelic Parents Association, a board member of Comunn na Gàidhlig and a director of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
He also sung with Carloway Gaelic Choir at Mòd competitions.
In a tribute the choir said: “We are heartbroken at Iain Macleod’s sudden passing.
“He was a gentle-natured, softly-spoken, patient man who attended practice regularly over Skype despite his many other commitments and we are so sad to lose such a valued member of our family.”
Allan Campbell who took over as president of An Comunn Gàidhealach said the Gaelic community has “lost a true Gael.”
His death is an “enormous blow and his diligence and commitment to the Gaelic language and culture will be greatly missed,” he added.
Mr Campbell said: “On behalf of An Comunn Gàidhealach I wish to re-state our appreciation and thanks for all that John did for this organisation and for Gaelic in general.
“We were immensely proud that his enormous commitment was publicly acknowledged when he was awarded the honour of Sàr Ghàidheal (True Gael) at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s annual graduation ceremony in autumn 2017.
“For me personally it was a privilege to have known John over nearly the past twenty five years, I wish eternal peace to a champion.”
Mr Macleod is survived by his wife Christine, son Calum, daughter Mairi and her husband Kevin.