Cllr Kenny Macleod said:

 “Donnie Steele served as Member for the Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeigh agus Uibhist a Deas ward from 2012-2017. In his 5 years as a Member of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Donnie was a member of the Licensing Board, Education and Children Services Committee and Environmental and Protective Services Committee taking an interest in not just his own ward but also matters impacting the Western Isles as a whole.

“Having worked alongside Donnie in the Comhairle Chamber I know how passionate he was about his community and the improvement of services to Uist and Barra. In roles as a councillor, community councillor and Director of Stòras Uibhist he has left behind a legacy of community work that will have a significant and lasting impact. Donnie’s passion for South Uist was particularly evident in the successful campaign, which he led, to gain official recognistion for the South Uist Flag. Donnie was a keen footballer and alongside his brothers was part of the Southend team that reached the Highland Amateur Cup final in 1993. Our thoughts are with all those who knew Donnie, particularly his wife, Morag Ann, his sons Donald and Levi, his mum Jessie and his 3 brothers Angus, Archie and Iain.”

The flag at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Balivanich Office was flown at half-mast on Friday 7 March and will be again to mark Donnie’s funeral on Friday 14 March.