Obituary: Kenneth Alexander MacKinnon, supporter of Scots Gaelic language and culture

Kenneth Alexander MacKinnon. Born: Kyle of Lochalsh. Died: October 31, Los Angeles, aged 68.

Long time Isle of Skye, Highland & Islands resident and Scots Gaelic language and culture supporter Kenneth Alexander MacKinnon passed away on October 31, 2016 surrounded by family and friends in Los Angeles, California after a two year battle with cancer.

MacKinnon was the owner of the popular Harbour View Seafood Restaurant in Portree, Isle of Skye from 1996 -2006. He was an ardent and successful campaigner against excessive toll charges on the Skye Bridge. MacKinnon was also a Gaelic and English language contributor to BBC Radio Scotland about entertainment, food and culture themes.

He met his wife Sallie Olmsted at the Bafta Oscar Nominees Tea Party in Los Angeles in 2001 and commuted between Portree, Isle of Skye and Los Angeles until the two married in 2006. .

Born in Kyle of Localsh, he lived at Nunton House, Balavanich, Benbecula from 1958-1963. After working overseas assignments for the oil and construction industry in the Middle East, he returned to live on Isle of Skye in 1982.

MacKinnon attended Warwick University and also earned a Diploma in Gaelic Broadcasting from the Highland & Islands University.

He is survived by his wife Sallie, son Christian Mackinnon, daughters Anna Ciorstan McMullen and Christine Oxley, brother Angus MacKinnon and grandsons, Cameron and Kori MacKinnon.