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Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
Rory MacDonald: Highland publican and whisky pioneer who 'wouldn't sell a dram to a Campbell', dies age 91
Donald Roderick MacDonald, known affectionately and reverently as Rory, died peacefully on May 20, 2025, aged 91. A Highland publican of rare flair, creator of Glencoe whisky, and fiercely proud descendant of the Chiefs of Keppoch, Rory lived a life deeply rooted in tradition yet riotously alive with character, contradiction and conviction. Born in Jesmond in September 1933—a fact that he regarded as a lifelong irritation—Rory believed he ought to have been born in 1620 and slain nobly in battle. The 20th century, for all its chaos and modernity, seemed too tame for him. Yet despite this temporal misplacement, he devoted his life to upholding, reviving, and celebrating the Highland spirit, in all its wildness and hospitality. Rory was the son of Andrew MacDonald, known as The Major, who worked managing lumber yards across Newcastle, Boston and Liverpool. Family mattered enormously to him—not just his immediate kin but the whole expanse of MacDonalds whose stories he carried with precision and pride. His early years followed his father's work, with holidays at Blarour, near Spean Bridge, giving him his first love of Lochaber. With the outbreak of war, Rory's mother Hilda moved the family south to Surrey. At the age of six, Rory was sent to Gilling Castle, the Benedictine-run prep school for Ampleforth College. There began a lifetime wariness of authority: he did not take kindly to being 'telt', and this resistance became a defining feature of his character. Twelve years later, Rory left school with a scholarship to Oxford—and, reportedly, the most beaten backside of his generation, according to family friend Fr Anthony Ainscough. Oxford, like school, proved a difficult fit. After National Service with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, during which he skied in Austria and developed a fondness for Highland camaraderie, he returned to university life. But Oxford could not compete with his appetite for mischief and high society. After a brush with the college's Master, Hugh Trevor-Roper, Rory was sent down alongside his friend John Gaynor. Stints at Harrods, in the packing department, and the Distillers Company followed. It was during his time with Distillers that Rory began to find his métier: whisky. After training in Craigellachie and Edinburgh, he was sent to Montreal and then New York, where his job was to know every barman in Manhattan. He started drinking at 11am, finished at 2pm with a 'cinema nap', and resumed at 6pm. Always immaculately turned out with a raven mane and widow's peak, Rory was a striking figure. In New York, he met Nancy Hill, a 24-year-old Ivy Leaguer with red hair and composure to match his fire. They married in the US and took the first boat back to Europe. As Rory put it, there was no way his children were going to be raised as Americans. Working in advertising in London, he abruptly announced one day to his wife and two young sons that he had purchased a pub in the Highlands. The pub was the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe, which he would transform into one of Scotland's best-loved hostelries and his true spiritual home. At the Clachaig, Rory thrived. He welcomed climbers, hippies, folk musicians, Billy Connolly and all Glaswegians in search of air, conversation and ale. He banned Campbells from the premises—an infamous move—but simultaneously cultivated a famously warm and eclectic atmosphere. The Clachaig became a cultural and communal institution. He joined the mountain rescue team. He reinvigorated the Ballachulish Shinty Club, acted with the Kinlochleven amateur dramatics group, ran for Parliament as a Tory in West Dumbarton in 1974 and drove a Territorial Army truck up Ben Nevis to prepare for nuclear attack. Rory banned music that wasn't Gaelic, hosted ceilidhs, and wrote a book about Coll of the Cows. He once bought a cider press for Glencoe cider, then sold it after realising apples were hard to come by. He and Nancy somehow brought up four young in the house they built by the pub. Among his lasting achievements was the creation of Glencoe whisky, a robust 100 proof vatted malt which he marketed with elegance and belief in provenance. Initially sold only at the pub, he scaled it across the Highlands from the boot of his car. He refused a £500,000 offer from PepsiCo when they proposed altering the label. In the late 1970s, he sold the Clachaig with a three-day lock-in. In 1980, the family was joined by daughter Charlotte, and soon moved Texas, where Rory ran the World Trade Center – a marketplace in Houston. A high-profile job, he was known in the Houston Society. From Houston, the family moved to Philadelphia, Nancy's hometown, where Rory worked in executive roles. Angus and Peter remained in the UK, but his love and pride for them continued—even if it was more often expressed to others than to them directly. In 1990, he returned alone to Lochaber, declaring it the place his soul required. He started a nursery, selling heathers and berating tourists for overwatering his baskets. He met Marion, who became his second wife and anchor for the remainder of his life. With Marion, Rory softened. He welcomed his children's spouses and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ever the historian, Rory amassed a trove of knowledge about the West Highlands and the MacDonalds of Keppoch. Even as his health declined, his mind remained razor-sharp and his wit intact. He continued to recite poetry by heart, particularly the 19th-Century verse he had loved since youth. Rory was, always, a man of his time—and a man entirely of another He is survived by his wife Marion, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless friends and strangers who found welcome, laughter and fierce hospitality in his presence. A burial service was held at Collie Choirill. Mourners were invited to join the family to raise a glass and share stories. Rory would have wanted a good party.
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Full life of former POW marked with state farewell
One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018. One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018. One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018. One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Poignant tribute to life of 'gentle, humble' former POW
A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am. A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am. A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am. A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am.
