A Tribute: Catriona MacAulay MacKenzie

By Hector MacAulay, Clan Chief

It was with great sadness I heard that Catriona had passed away on Sunday 26th  November 2017 after a very brave fight against cancer.

Catriona will be fondly remembered as a most popular member of our Clan MacAulay Executive Committee which she served with distinction.

I met Catriona for the first time at our Clan Gathering in Stornoway in 2006.

She was attending her first Clan Gathering along with two of her cousins from Canada. I always remember her telling me how much she enjoyed the whole experience and in particular our most memorable bus trip to Bernera on the west coast of Lewis which is where her family originate from.

As I got to know Catriona I felt she would be an ideal person to serve on our executive committee and in 2007 I asked her if she would be prepared to join. She felt honoured to be asked and immediately said yes. In no time at all she took on the role of Treasurer and Membership Secretary which she carried out with great efficiency right up to the 2017 Clan Gathering when she retired.

Catriona was a tower of strength at all our Clan Gatherings held in Scotland. She took on the responsibility of organising and fronting our registration desks. She organised raffles and on a number of occasions organised the entertainment and generally helped with the smooth running of the events. All tasks carried out with great enthusiasm.

She was well supported by her husband Don, a professional musician who is also from Lewis and like Catriona a fluent gaelic speaker. During the last few years Catriona and Don hosted our executive meetings in their Sauchenford home where they both made us most welcome with their incredible hospitality. No meeting would be complete without tea and a wonderful spread of  Catriona’s home baking.

Her efficiency, commitment, kindness and friendliness enriched our lives.

She will be greatly missed but her legacy lives on.