On Wednesday 5 February, Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Mr Iain Macaulay, Lord-Lieutenant for the Western Isles, visited Leslie Eller to mark his 100th birthday, presenting him with a gift on behalf of the communities of the Western Isles.
Leslie’s family shared a touching biography of his remarkable life.
Born in Devon on 5 February 1925 to a railway signalman, Leslie joined the RAF at the end of World War II, training as a navigator.
Though he did not see active service in the air, he played a key role in support and reparations in Germany before returning to the UK.
He began his career with the National Union of Railwaymen as a junior clerk and dedicated 40 years to the organisation, eventually becoming Director of Finance.
His leadership helped establish a training college, relocate the union offices, and played a part in founding Unity Bank.
Leslie met his wife, Grace Sherwood, at the Labour League of Youth, and they married in June 1951, going on to have two children, Lorna and Mark.
After retiring in 1985, Leslie and Grace moved from Buckinghamshire to Lincolnshire, where they remained until 2022.
Their 70-year marriage was honoured with three messages from the late Queen.
Sadly, Grace passed away in February 2022.
Later that year, Leslie relocated to Linshader to be near his daughter Lorna and son-in-law Tony Pendle, who have lived in the village since 1981.
A keen traveller, Leslie explored China, Russia, the USA, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Europe alongside Grace.
They stayed active, playing golf, bowls, and bridge, while also enjoying many walking holidays as members of The Holiday Fellowship, often leading group walks.
Now in Linshader, Leslie still enjoys short walks in the village and trips around the island whenever the weather allows.
He looks forward to the brighter days ahead, eager to take in more of the stunning Hebridean scenery.
