TV news editor from the Western Isles dies suddenly
25 December 2020
The death has been announced of Donald John MacDonald, news editor at STV North in Aberdeen
The veteran broadcast journalist would have been 61 years old in January.
He died unexpectedly at a relative’s home near Aberdeen on Christmas Eve.
DJ -
He was brought up in Askernish. A talented footballer, he played for South End FC.
At age 13 he considered a calling to the priesthood, attending Blairs College near Aberdeen for three years.
When he left in 1977 and with no 6th year school in his home island at the time, he went to Stornoway, studying Highers at the Nicolson Institute before enrolling at Aberdeen University for an honours degree in Political Studies.
One of his proudest moments was being entrusted with the Billy McNeill cup when the competition was first launched.
The trophy was presented by former Celtic player and then team coach Neil Mochan, who accompanied the Celtic Boys Club to Lewis for games against Stornoway United and Ness FC.
The Stornoway side had drafted in Uist teenagers who were in 6th year in the Nicolson Institute. Donald John was called away from his university studies on the mainland to strengthen the squad and, as the senior member of the Uist contingent, he was given the responsibility to ensure the trophy arrived safely in Uist.
He enjoyed his trips home to the islands, especially when his nephew Iain Macphee, and nieces -
Early ventures into journalism included reporting Uist news for the West Highland Free Press. He joined Grampian Television as a reporter in 1984, covering news stories from the north of Scotland in both Gaelic and English. He also presented the Gaelic magazine programme, Crann Tara.
He oversaw the Telefios bulletin which was the first daily Gaelic TV news output. Transmitted from Stornoway, the programme ran for eight years to 2000.
Grampian TV was taken over by the Scottish Media Group and subsequently rebranded as STV. Donald John was promoted to the role of news editor in 2007.
Simon Pitts, chief executive of STV, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of such a wonderful friend and colleague. Donald was warm, funny, charismatic and a brilliant journalist.”
In a tribute, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: “DJ was a true media pro, but more so a wonderful human being. He kickstarted the campaign for Scotland to do the right thing by our care experienced young people. He is such a loss. My thoughts with his loved ones.”
STV news presenter, Norman Macleod, from Scaplay, who has been at the station for nearly as long as DJ, said: “It is with profound sadness that I learned earlier of the unexpected death of my friend and colleague DJ MacDonald. All of us at STV News are in shock. He was a champion of the North newsroom and we will miss him hugely. Duillich a'chreidsinn.”
His niece, Kerry MacPhee, said she was “truly devastated for our family and all who knew my uncle DJ. To us he was more that much older big brother. Always so silly, funny and a big kid yet such a smart and high achieving man. He came home to Uist every Xmas without fail until this year of course. We will miss him.”
Her sister Kirsty, said: “He lit a room up with his infectious smile, stories and laughter. He was your no1 fan. He championed you to do well and try your best. My heart goes out to everyone that walked in his path. The pain is real.”
Donald John Macdonald is survived by his son, Ben, and two sisters, Sarah and Ann.
Donald John MacDonald