Eriskay and Scotland are the poorer for Father Calum MacLellan's passing Father Calum MacLellan was far more than a parish priest. He did not merely take an interests in matters spiritual but in matters temporal that were important to the island's survival. His death marks more than just the passing of a man who ministered to his flock from the church on the promontory, but of a generation of priests who were also community leaders. Most recently featured on An Island Parish, something that brought him fame and fan mail - which amused him greatly but to which he did not reply - Father Calum helped shape the modern Western Isles. He was prominent in campaigning for the islands to have their own council, and became a councillor where, to his mischievous delight as a Roman Catholic, he often found common cause with Wee Free ministers. To the end he was busy, not only continuing to say mass in Eriskay and other churches hit by the decline in vocations to the priesthood after he had "retired," but also in more political issues that affected the island. He played a significant part in the community buy-out of the land from South Uist Estates - another major step forward in terms of economic and social development. Father Calum was a substantial figure, a great man of the islands. For me, I will remember most his wit and wisdom. As a regular visitor to the island through family connections, I would try to make a point of visiting him to talk over the great issues of the day over a dram or two. He was always well informed, always had an opinion, and was never afraid to express himself - including on the subject of politics, which he followed closely. I always came away from these chats with a smile on my face and something to think about as well, which would, I hope, inform me in my day job as a journalist. With Father Calum's passing, Eriskay will just not be the same for me or for its people. I will miss those conversations and the whisky or two. The island has lost a kindly, wise and respected priest and community leader. Eriskay, the islands and Scotland are poorer for his passing.