Tributes to beloved pub landlady

30 October 2023

Warm tributes have been paid to a much revered lady who spent most of her life working in the hospitality trade.

Effie Macleod who died last week only retired 12 months ago as licensee of the Criterion Bar in Stornoway - which gained a reputation of being a small pub with a big heart.

A large crowd attended her funeral in Stornoway Free Church Seminary.

Customers have shared fond memories of Effie describing her as a lovely woman and a fantastic boss.

Effie, who belonged to Shawbost, returned to Lewis in the early 1980s, taking over the management of the town’s busy Crown Hotel after spending many years working on the mainland.

She settled into the role comfortably, becoming a firm favourite amongst employees, local customers and a flow of tourists over the following three decades.

In the autumn of 2012, she loosened the reins on the Crown focusing on running the Criterion, having supervised both establishments at the same time for a spell.

Under her charge, the Crit - as it is affectionately known by patrons - delightfully remained a quintessential, traditional Scottish pub.

She helped raise many thousands of pounds for good causes through the proceeds of a weekly bonus ball card game but given her unassuming nature could never be persuaded to be photographed for the cheque hand-over. She sidestepped a photo opportunity last December, held to mark her retirement, when £9500 was split between the RNLI and local cancer and care charities

Many famous faces have popped in to the Criterion over the years including Joanna Lumley and former Channel 4 news presenter John Snow.

Game Of Thrones' Catelyn Stark and her film crew became regulars in 2019 when shooting a big screen film on Lewis.

Iain Mackillop of The Critters pub folk session group recalls how she gave the then emerging band of musicians their big break back when they struggled to find a place to perform traditional tunes.

They didn’t fit in with other premises which sought a different sound or a younger appeal.

“When we formed we looked to play in various places. But some might have a jukebox or wanted music more suited to the youth.

“But Effie was very welcoming and friendly and we all got on great. We have a lot of respect for her.”

So strongly forged was the common bond of loyalty that otherwise tempting offers to defect elsewhere were firmly rejected.

“What makes a pub a great place is not the building but the staff,” observed Iain.

“We found that with Effie and the staff in the Crit and we are very thankful that experience has continued with the new management after she retired.”

Musician, Mandy Darling, highlighted Effie was a “lovely, kind, gentle lady, heart of gold and with a firm determination.

“She knew who was a good guy or girl and welcomed many including us, The Critters, who became the pub’s own band.

“She knew how to support the music and craic and the Crit was, and is, the best old Stornoway pub. Rest in Peace you absolute legend.”

Another said: “Beautiful lady, always took care of her flock. She will be missed.

“So very sad at this news, a lovely lady and always greeted us with a smile. She ran a tight ship and good at her job. Rest in peace, m' eudail,” highlighted a customer.”

Effie Macleod Photo: Neil Macdonald