ICYMI: Inverness restauranteur and Highland Hospice stalwart gets royal nod
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NEW MBE Norman MacDonald has pledged not to rest on his laurels after being recognised for his services to charity.
Mr MacDonald (44), who lives in the Crown area of Inverness, said no-one was more surprised than him by the Queen’s birthday honours award, and that he was very humbled.
The owner of award-winning restaurant Café One, which employs 26 staff, Mr MacDonald received the award in recognition of over a dozen years of support for Highland Hospice. Starting as a fundraiser, he became a board trustee in 2011 and in 2016 took on the role of chairman.
Although no longer a member of the Hospice board, he remains an active supporter. Between fundraising activities, events and donations he has personally raised funding nearing £1.5 million for the Highland Hospice and other charities.
“Hopefully there is some benefit from the publicity for the Hospice, but the letter clearly states this is not the end of your work and there is a huge expectation for you to continue,” he said.
“There are some projects that I have in my mind with regard to palliative care in general, so we will push on with those and hopefully have some exciting news soon. It’s going to be a spur to do more rather than an opportunity to sit back and do less.”
Andrew Leaver, head of fundraising for Highland Hospice, said: “For well over a decade now Norman has been a dedicated supporter. During our capital appeal he worked tirelessly to ensure our fundraising target was met. Never has an honour been more deserved.”
Other awards recipients included Highlands and Islands Enterprise chairman Professor Lorne Crerar, who has been made a Commander of the British Empire for his contribution to economic and community development.
