Norman MacLeod of Suardal 1920-2005
Looking towards the Cathedral from Durham School.
Norman attended the Universities at Edinburgh and Oxford and served in the Royal Navy. In 1950 he went to teach at Durham School, where he retired in 1985. He married Sheila Gorrie and had four sons and a daughter.
Norman was granted Suardal, in Skye, the ancient family home, and was a life long member of the Society.
Durham, 22nd February
On a wintry day, a group of Clansfolk took the train from Edinburgh down to Durham. The President was accompanied by his wife, Anne, and daughter, Emma. Stella Henderson, Nancy Nicol and Rose Fleming were there from Edinburgh. Donald of Glendale, down from Skye, travelled with his son, Rev Rory from St Andrews. Bill C, President of the USA Society, stayed over in Scotland four extra days so that he could travel down to Durham. Also present, amongst a church full of folk were Bill Richmond, Suardal House, Mike Stewart, Edinburgh - Chief Norman Magnus's great-grandson; Angus, past President of ACMS, with his wife Julia and son Andrew.
It was a beautiful crisp morning, after overnight snow, as the throng climbed up the steep hill in Durham School to the chapel. There was a magnificent view of Durham Cathedral towering over the city as John Davidson Kelly, well wrapped up in his plaid, greeted folk with some tunes on the pipes.
The coffin was piped in to 'Flowers of the Forest'. The service was conducted by Suardal's son Rev Angus, and Rt Rev Nigel Stock, Bishop of Stockport, a former pupil. 'The Eriskay Love Lilt' was played on the clarsach and the 'The Skye Boat Song' on the flute by two granddaughters and the Adagio from Mozart's Sonata in F, K332, by a grand niece. The eulogy was given by Suardal's sons Donald and Torquil and Janet and Rev Rory read stories about Norman. It was an emotional experience but a great tribute to the life of a dearly loved man.
Folk made their way down the steps, in a shower of spitting hail, to Old School, where there were refreshments. The family rejoined the company: Donald and Barbara; Torquil and Sue; Rory and Carolyn; Janet and Graham and Angus, with their respective children; John and Tom and Kim Davidson Kelly with their respective children and grandchildren. There was a tangible feeling of love and support for the family, though they all must have felt sorrow at this parting.
An email from Ian MacLeod, Perth, WA, aptly summarised all the Clansfolk's thoughts. Ian had been with his wife Ruth and John and Liz Macleod of Raasay.
"On a personal issue, as we drove home today from a lovely three day excursion to our wine growing region of Margaret River, we listened to the Suardal Tapes and we were very mindful of the dear presence of Suardal and we shed a tear or two in the car. However his is now in the nearer presence of his beloved Sheila and they will at last be able to converse again. May they both rest in Peace and rise eternally. He was a most wonderful, dear, wise, loving, kind, considerate, clever and engaging person and a wonderful clansman".
Suardal Tapes
Norman Macleod of Suardal was a great story teller. Many of his characteristically told stories were recorded and are available on tape, £8.99, and CD, £11.99 plus p&p from Ruari Halford-MacLeod, 13 High St, Auchtermuchty, Fife KY14 7AP.
- Volume 1:
- includes the Clan Crest, motto and horn; the White Cattle of Gesto; Alasdair Crotach's Wedding; The Fairy Flag; Ian Dubh and the Campbells and The Cluanie Inn.
- Volume 2 & 3
- includes The Fairy Flag; St Kilda; MacLeod's Maidens; Smooring of Eigg; MacLeod's Fool; The Silver Chanter; MacLeod's Tables; The cairns; Young Norman and the Prince's Pilot.