Honouring Charles Kennedy
The Charles Kennedy Lecture 2025 brings our community together to honour the memory of the former Liberal Democrat leader and long-serving Lochaber MP.
This annual event celebrates the love of ideas, debate, and community that Charles Kennedy was renowned for.
Since its inception in 2015, the lecture has been delivered by prominent political figures such as Lord Jim Wallace, Nicola Sturgeon, Alastair Campbell, and Lord David Steel.
This year, we are delighted to welcome Maggie Cunningham as the speaker.
Introducing Maggie Cunningham
Maggie Cunningham is a distinguished figure in the Highlands.
Maggie, originally from Scalpay in Harris, has had a significant career, including extensive work at the BBC and leadership roles in the third sector with organisations like Sistema, Scotland and Columba 1400. A fluent Gaelic speaker, her impressive experience includes chairing MG Alba and serving on Ofcom's Content Board.
She currently chairs An Comunn Gàidhealach and is Co-Chair of the Highland Council’s Commission on Poverty and Equality.
Maggie is married, lives in Plockton and has two children and three grandchildren whom she adores.
The Lecture: Changing the Story on Poverty
Maggie will argue that reducing poverty is more than just compassion—it's a strategy for long-term community success. By investing in jobs, education, and basic infrastructure, we can strengthen our economy, keep families rooted, and help small businesses thrive.
- Can we truly change the narrative on local poverty?
- How can local leaders and communities actively shift this reality?
Come along to listen to Maggie's insights and join the discussion!
Sponsored by Ferguson Transport & Shipping
Founded in 1959, Ferguson Transport & Shipping is a family-owned and operated business with over 60 years of experience in the haulage industry. Today they are proudly one of the largest independent transport and distribution companies in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and have strategically located Operation Centres throughout the rest of the UK.
At Ferguson Transport & Shipping they are passionate about what they do and their goal is always to provide a quality service that exceeds customer expectations and deliver innovative and flexible transport solutions that make a positive difference to the businesses they serve.
