‘Living with a neurological condition is like joining an exclusive club with lifetime membership’.

Donnie, Co-founder

About Us

Our purpose: To support neurological patients and their carers by promoting positive health and wellbeing in the Western Isles.

Neuro Hebrides was founded and is run by people who have lived experience of either having a neurological condition or supporting someone who has one. Neuro Hebrides provides a community for shared experience and understanding for those living with or caring for someone with a neurological condition in the Western Isles.

It is a positive, ‘can do’ organisation that whilst accepting the challenges its members may face, encourages all members to make the most of the opportunities available to them and live their best possible life whilst managing their condition.

Who we are

We have a team of committed trustees and volunteers whose commitment helped to create Neuro Hebrides and who deliver its activities.

Our trustees

Iain Macaulay

I was brought up in the crofting village of Sollas on North Uist and am married with two children and grandfather of two girls.

Now living in Upper Coll village on Lewis, I retired after a career in social work having worked for Strathclyde Regional Council, Church of Scotland Board of Social Responsibility and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

It’s great to have the time to contribute to our communities by supporting a number of voluntary organisations I have always admired and appreciated. Especially those providing much needed support and guidance to individuals and families affected by ill health and disability.

Iain Macleod

I am Area Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, responsible for the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.

I live in Lochs in Lewis with my wife and three children, where I also coach the local youth football teams. I have first hand knowledge of the devastating effect of neurological conditions - my father, from North Tolsta, was stricken by Motor Neurone Disease at a young age and this drives a lifelong interest in ensuring sufferers are supported appropriately as well as research is funded to find solutions to neurological conditions.

Neil Davis

I was aware of the needs of patients and their families who have neurological disorders from my work as a GP.

After retiring I had the opportunity to join the management board of Neuro Heb. I have been pleased to be able to develop that interest further and have enjoyed working with this organisation.

Seonag Mackinnon

I am Seonag Mackinnon from Harris. I have lived on Lewis for the last 38 years or so.

After spending my life in Education, I retired 8 years ago. Since then, I have enjoyed life, pursuing my interests. Before the pandemic we enjoyed travelling.

I enjoy reading, cooking and hill walking. I became interested in neurological conditions after one of my best friends was diagnosed with one. I was very involved with her as her illness progressed, helping her family to care for her.

I was delighted to be invited to join the Board of Trustees of Neuro Hebrides and have enjoyed being part of a very committed team.

Moira Macpherson

I became a trustee when asked because I had a lot of first hand experience of the various challenges of living with MS having cared for my late son who lived with MS for over 20 years .

Anne Finlayson

My name is Anne Finlayson. I am originally from North Tolsta. I’m a GP, and I have been working in Lewis for the last 15 years.

I am also a mum to two energetic boys. I’ve been involved with Neuro Hebrides as a trustee for the last few years. I hope that my professional experience brings something to the group, but more importantly, my experience of supporting a loved one living with a degenerative neurological condition for many years gives me some kind of insight into the challenges that life can hold if you are “differently abled.”

My dad was involved with disability support groups locally over many years, among them DDA and WICUSN. If I can bring even a tiny fraction of his enthusiasm to Neuro Hebrides, I feel we can make a difference.

Kate Mawby

My working life has been around promoting and facilitating further and higher education, including working to ensure that students with health conditions have the right support to to enable them to demonstrate their full academic ability.

Ironically I myself had a neurological episode in 2015 and have since received a diagnosis, so have lived experience of going through the diagnostic process and living with a long term condition.

I believe passionately in the right of people to experience the best health care and support available and see Neuro Hebrides as a place to provide information about the myriad of possible support from Warm Homes to patient travel, as well as a forum to share experiences and to reduce isolation. My experience lies in marketing, administration and finance.

Alex Murray

I have run a successful local construction business since 1990 and is a key employer of skilled tradespeople on Lewis, also encouraging the next generation of talent by taking on apprentices in Joinery and construction.

My involvement in Neuro Hebrides results from seeing first hand the effects of a neurological condition on a friend and I wanted to help enable the charity to provide that essential support to those affected.

We also have a Co-ordinating Group who plan and deliver the activities of Neuro Hebrides.

What we do

We offer a friendly non-judgemental community where people can have ups and downs, frustration and victories and can share them in a supportive, caring environment. Having a neurological condition can be isolating and our mission is to help reduce that.

We offer regular opportunities to meet with others and to take part in a range of activities tailored for those living with a neurological condition.

We also campaign on behalf of our members on a range of issues which affect them and have a voice on groups like Patient Panel and the Neurological Managed Clinical Network for the NHS.

Please see the membership section for more information and details of how to join.

If you would like more information about Neuro Hebrides, please do not hesitate to contact us using the form below.

About Us

Our trustees

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