On 27 November 2009 Dr Iain and Winnie McNicol were guests of honour at a ceilidh and dance to celebrate and look back on Iain’s 29 years in charge of island health care. The minister, Roderick Campbell, paid tribute to Iain and introduced an evening showcasing Lismore’s talent and creativity.
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09
Highlight was the primary school play written and produced by Ali Cunningham which featured a very funny Sophie King playing Dr Iain turning up for his Monday surgery in the hall to find a waiting room full of patients, played by all the primary and pre five children, presenting with a load of amusing problems for Dr Iain to solve.
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09
The Lismore Primary Folk group were equally entertaining and impressive with Shona Wright on guitar, singers Kirsty Wright, Tom Campbell Paine, Sophie King and Kara Willis with Tom also on recorder and Kara on the fiddle. Other performers were Murry Willis on the box, Colin Black on guitar, and singers Duncan Livingstone, Mary MacDougall and Sarah Campbell.
Queen’s nurse Margaret Black looked back on her time working with Iain “in various guises”, as she said, in 26 of his 29 years. She paid tribute to his work with the traveller community, his unstinting efforts in making sure patients got the best end of life care in their homes where possible, and she spoke for all when she wished Iain and Winnie a happy, healthy and interesting retirement.
Archie MacColl proposed a toast, Mairi Smith presented Iain with his farewell gifts and Katie Cook and Rachel MacCormick presented Winnie with flowers.
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09 Winnie McNicol
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09 with Archie MacColl
In his speech of thanks Iain told us he had crossed to Lismore 6000 times in all weathers and a further 1000 times in emergencies for which we were all very grateful. Health care on an island is always of great concern and the gratitude to Iain for his unstinting care and efforts to improve things over the years was evident throughout the evening.
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09 Duncan Livingstone
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09 Murry Willis
After tea and home baking the evening continued with a dance to the music of Neil Sinclair band. A book is now circulating on the island in which islanders are being invited to inscribe their own personal messages.
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09
Dr Iain McNicol’s retirement 27.11.09
In addition to his health duties on Lismore, Dr Iain also served some time as chair of the Comann Eachdriadh Lios Mor board, and on the 22 March 2013 offered an audience at the Heritage Centre an enlightening talk on the Dewar Report into Healthcare in the Highlands. A report available on this site.