Kenneth was a founder member of Peace Education Scotland, and a member of Scottish CND since it formed in 1958.
He served on the executive of SCND in the 1960s, a period which saw huge anti-nuclear rallies before the arrival of Polaris missiles at Holy Loch.
Isobel Lindsay, current vice chair of Scottish CND said – “Kenneth had a continuous role in SCND from its formation until his death. I met him first around the 1960’s when he was on the SCND executive – never flamboyant , always steady, determined, consistent and principled.”
Kenneth’s name on a leaflet from 1961
“I was not involved as an executive member through the seventies and eighties although active in campaigns because of my other commitments. Sometime during the 1990’s Kenneth phoned me and asked if I would go on the executive because he was very worried about personality tensions which he felt were undermining the organisation . It was typical of him to try to find positive ways to resolve problems. It did not sound like a very attractive invitation but knowing Kenneth’s dedication, I felt I could not say no. He is one of the movement’s quiet heroes”.
David MacKenzie current Scottish CND executive member said – “I got to know Kenneth in recent years when we would meet up from time to time. For me this was a chance to be in intelligent and alert company and to tap into his wide and up to date knowledge. He was one of the best informed people within Scottish CND. I will miss these occasional meetings for his warmth and his passionate conviction”.
Kenneth McNeil and Martha Wardrop hosting a stall for Scottish CND Education.
Arthur West chair of Scottish CND from 2011-2019 said – “Kenneth served as Scottish CND secretary for a number of years and was also a very hard working executive member . He was involved heavily in the Scottish CND Education Committee and in the last few years served on the committee of the charity Peace Education Scotland. During my time as chair he was very supportive to me and a very good source of advice based on his past experience and expertise. Kenneth was massively committed to Scottish CND and the wider peace movement and he made an enormous contribution down the years .
His work in developing Scottish CND educational resources was absolutely outstanding. He will be very sadly missed”.
Flavia Tudoreanu from Peace Education Scotland said – “Kenneth was always sharp, analytical and so respectful. His wisdom of life was striking and his commitment to our cause has never faded. A lifetime of dedication to the movement”.
Kenneth was a kind and principled man, and an active hill-walker into his eighties. He has been a good friend and inspiration to many of us and will be greatly missed.
Peace Education Scotland would like to extend our condolences to his friends and family.
Kenneth McNeil (1925-2021)