Sarah Macleod

Posted the message below at 1:24 am on 24th Sept.
Sarah’s birthday. Not the 23rd as it is listed.

Remembering Sarah, with profound sadness, on what would have been her birthday. I miss you my dear friend. Rest in peace.

Jo
X

There is a video of the service that can be shared on request x

Dearest Sarah , I’m not sure you really knew how much you meant to everyone . Each one has their own memory of how you shaped them as midwives, colleagues and friends. Your zest for midwifery was infectious and your kind heart and soul eased many anxious mums , students, midwives and Drs alike.
You have left a legacy not many of us will ever match. I’m so sorry I couldn’t attend the memorial. You are in my thoughts . Rest in peace lovely Sarah & Niall x

I met Sarah as a colleague first in 2002. I had recently joined NHS Highland and had been asked to assist her with obstetric emergency training in my locality. We were setting up for the session when she hit her head on a sharp corner, cutting her head quite badly. Someone took her to see the local GP while I started the training, having never seen it before, each slide a surprise! A couple of steristrips later Sarah returned and the ultimate professional she was, threw herself into the training. What a wonderful woman and a wonderful midwife. Kind, caring, compassionate, she was a joy to know and work with. Bless you for all the time you gave me and so many others. Xxx

I first met Sarah in the mid 80’s when her brother, Alick took Justin & I to a party at her fabulous flat on Garnet Hill. It was so stylish, as was Sarah. Always.
We became good friends & I have many happy memories of fun times in Glasgow, then later with Niall & Sarah at their lovely home in Banavie.
We once arrived just after midnight at Hogmanay, following a long treacherous drive from Edinburgh through snow. A worried Sarah was on the phone to the emergency services as we walked through the door & Niall immediately popped open a bottle of chilled champagne!! It was so memorable & we often laughed about it. They were both very special to us.

I’m sure the coming together of so many of Sarah’s friends & colleagues tomorrow will be a fitting tribute to a woman who was greatly admired & loved. Deservedly so.

Jo & Justin

Sarah and I worked in Fort William together from 2015 until we both moved on to pastures new. Although we were in different professions, we spent a lot of time lunching and chatting and I could tell she was an absolute force professionally. She was that wonderful mix of knowledge, experience and talent whilst also being incredibly gentle and modest. She was also hugely reassuring when I was pregnant with my daughter. A true class act. Rest In Peace, Sarah.

I did my nurse training with Sarah at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. She was a very stylish lady, always so smart!
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I will remember Sarah with much fondness.
My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

I am deeply sorry to have heard of Sarah's passing. I first met Sarah at Rottenrow in Glasgow in the 90's. She was a great labour ward midwife and I always knew when she was in charge that we had the best support and leadership.
I had the pleasure of knowing both Sarah and Niall over the years, having plenty of crazy nights out, but saw them less when they moved north. Though in the last couple of years managed to meet up and have time together, reminiscing, enjoying good food and wine together. We did set out to have a night out back in Glasgow but sadly that did not happen.
Sarah you were a wonderful woman and friend, Im just so sad that the grief and challenges were too much. May you rest in peace xx

What sad news to hear of Sarah's untimely death. I met her through her brother, whom I met at University. Like her mum, she was fiercely intelligent, witty and compassionate. She was one of the most elegant people I've met.
Sarah was devastated by Niall's death and lost the will to struggle on alone in the face of adversity.
She is now at peace and has left many happy memories.

Sarah and I became friends in 1980 when we started our Nurse Training, at Raigmore. We were fellow Invernessians and had been at school together and were slightly older that most in our set and just connected. We holidayed abroad and had lots of fun times together. I remember many visits to her mums at Culduthel, for chat and food, we were students after all.

In 1983 we had a TV night which resulted in a “flight of ideas” session, and we applied to lots of hospitals in England, as we wanted to be Midwives. Sarah applied to Taunton because an advert came on about Cider. I applied and was accepted to Truro in Cornwall. We started our Midwifery and completed our training on the same day. We travelled down on a very cold train, Sarah getting off at Taunton, and I went on to Truro. We continued seeing each other in the South West with Sarah moving back to Scotland before me, to Rottenrow, then the Belford. She had a long career in Midwifery, and was a proud, caring compassionate Midwife.

I remember Sarah's laugh, I can only describe it as a “hearty chortle” and I remember sitting back on my Sun lounger one holiday in Majorca with Gillian Thomson also from Inverness in our set, and Sarah going around cleaning the beach, and anyone dropping litter had to look out. Its amazing the little memories you remember when someone passes.

I was heartbroken that Sarah had passed. I sadly will not be able to go to the Memorial. My condolences and sympathy to Sarah's brother and family, and her friends who supported her, at such a difficult time.

I wish you peace in your onward journey, you were a good friend to me Sarah I will miss you.

Linda Tull (MacGillivray)
Photos of Happy Times added to Gallery

Sarah was a sister when I was a student midwife at Rottenrow; she was kind, funny and so knowledgable. She will be sadly missed.

I was extremely sad to hear about Sarah.
It is thanks to her that I got my job in Scotland.
She was a calm and caring midwife whom I will miss.
Spent many a day teaching on the ALSO course and a few laughs during those days.
Rest in peace dear Sarah. xxx❤️

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sarah today. We worked together at Rottenrow and I remember Sarah as being a warm and compassionate midwife. I remember nights at her flat in Hill Street and her mum coming down to Glasgow to visit her and joining in with the girls. We kept in touch through Christmas cards and social media. Rest in peace Sarah knowing you touched the lives of many 🤍🕊️✨

Sarah and I met at the College of Commerce in Aberdeen back in 1976/77. She was a real character and our group of friends enjoyed many laughs and quite a few beers together. I got back in touch with Sarah a few years ago via Facebook and we exchanged messages catching up with what had happened in our lives. She was still the same funny and kind person. I was saddened to hear that she'd passed. Sleep well old friend.

Sarah and I met in college in 1977. We shared loads of laughs and good times - generally partying ! Over time we lost touch a bit but reconnected 15 years ago. We enjoyed catching up over FaceTime and swopping news. If Sarah came to Edinburgh for work we’d meet up when possible . It saddens me so much that she found life too difficult but can only hope she’s at peace now. Rest well my friend ❤️xx

I found Sarah to be a passionate midwife and very woman- centred. So enjoyed working with you and debating current issues. We are missing you so much. Rest in peace xx

I was so very saddened to hear today of Sarah’s passing. You will be very much missed within the Midwifery family. So enjoyed teaching with you on many courses and thank you for all you did always for the benefit of women and families. Rest in peace. From Catherine and midwife colleagues at Western Isles

Sarah was my supervisor for the shortest time , but in that time, I knew her to be all the wonderful things people have written here. A wonderful person and practitioner

I’m so sorry 💔, I and so many more will miss you Sarah, such a kind , deeply respected , supportive and admired midwife. More than a colleague, she was a guiding light, a compassionate mentor, a fierce advocate for women, and a cherished friend. Sarah dedicated her life to women and their families , supporting, empowering, and giving voice to their needs and choices. Her gentle presence, unwavering dedication, and tireless care touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on through the love, wisdom, and strength she shared, leaving an enduring impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
God Bless 😘

Sarah was my cousin and also a very good friend
She always spent an e tra day withe in London when down at theNMC and we had fun
Fortnum and Mason,Ottolenghi and so on
But also quiet times at Ardclach,our family burial ground
Sleep at peace dear cousin

Sarah - wonderful woman, great work colleague and an inspiring, wise and thoughtful midwife. It was a pleasure knowing her. She brought wisdom, experience and compassion to her role. She’ll be remembered with love and gratitude for all the help, support and kindness she gave along the way - rest in peace.

Sarah was a beautiful person and forward thinking, talented Midwife. Always there to listen, guide and support her colleagues.
A very sad loss to all who knew her and to Midwifery its self.

Sarah - My lovely friend, I can’t believe she’s gone!
We 1st met in 2000 on an ALSO course & became friends when I returned to Highland some years later. I initially helped out on her obstetric emergency days and she inspired me to apply for her job when she retired - The job where I see her legacy day after day! She was a wonderful midwife, highly intelligent, & therefore made a brilliant educator. With her unforgettable sense of style she was a true professional.
On a personal level, she had a kind and thoughtful nature & a lovely sense of fun. Rest easy my lovely, I will miss you, our girlie lunches & catch ups xx

So sad to hear of the passing of Sarah. She was always such a glamorous, beautiful and stylish lady. I remember doing training with her in little church halls, she really was so passionate and such an inspiration. Condolences to all who knew and loved Sarah 💔 may she now rest in peace x

What sad news, Sarah and I worked together in Rottenrow then our paths crossed often in Ardnamurchan during holiday times then working on various projects during the KCND years. She was always so positive and friendly. My thoughts are with everyone who will feel her passing and miss her in their lives. She leaves a legacy of kindness, caring and fun, A sad day and a sad loss to the midwifery profession. x

midwife
[' mid:why:fuh] noun
an incredibly special person with an abundance of empathy and compassion. a cheerleader for women, at a very vulnerable time in their life. a person with an innate ability to comfort, support, encourage & empower others. someone you are forever grateful for and you never forget.
see also; guardian angel, superstar, gift.
Sarah the epitome of what a midwife should be.

So saddened to hear of the loss of Sarah. I was lucky to have briefly worked along side her. Lovely, kind lady who loved midwifery x

Dearest Sarah, I am so desperately sad you could not find the peace you needed , your loss of Niall just so overwhelming 😢.
You were a true, kind person and that will be carried on in the hearts of oh so many. many that knew you well .. and many that just knew you a little.
Such a lovely legacy to leave us and one you can be proud of.
Rest well dear Sarah ♥️xxx

Sara was a lovely lady I admired so many things about her So sad

Sarah was an amazing colleague and friend, full of wisdom, compassion, fun and laughter and always beautifully dressed. She made a huge difference to midwifery,
Love and respect always Sarah

To Sarah my best friend for over 60 years. I will miss you 💔

Sarah made a huge impact within her professional life. She was such an encourager, a skilled & patient educator and intelligent & knowledgeable. She showed genuine interest in everyone who attended training and made us all feel valued. She was also great fun and I always enjoyed catching up with her. I hope she knew the positive impact that she had for women and midwives.

Sarah you are just the definition of a midwife and you had that wonderful warmth, compassion, fun and incredible style that just made you so extra special. You've meant so much to so many people and I really hope you knew just how incredibly special you were. With love xx

So desperately sorry to hear this sad news today. Sarah and Anne Lyness were my team leaders in GRMH for my first Labour ward experience as a staff midwife, and I learned so much. Sarah’s wonderful skills enabled me to believe in myself and showed me how to provide the very best of care to labouring women.
Our paths crossed again later in the Highlands as she became my supervisor and was the very best support then too.
Have a huge sense of loss tonight but our lives are the richer for having known and loved wonderful Sarah McLeod. X

Sarah you were such a kind caring person who has influenced the life of many. I remember travelling to Fortwilliam to do my first obstetric emergencies course and loving it. You brought that training to all the community midwives and midwives in other countries. Such an achievement. You were a kind and considerate manager and had such love and passion for women centred care. You have been an inspiration to me as a younger midwife. So sorry to hear your gone have gone through rest easy. Much love Morven. Xx

Very saddened by this news. Sarah always stood up for the rights of women and was truly committed to quality. A great loss…

Sarah you are the most gentle person with the kindest soul and an amazing midwife and teacher. It was truly a privilege to know you
Such a sad loss to all of us. Rest in peace Sarah 💔

We will miss Sarah! She, together with the other ALSO team, imparted knowledge in a lot of health workers in Malawi. The health workers benefited directly and the pregnant women benefited indirectly.

Rest well Sarah!

Sarah was such a beautiful, kind and compassionate lady who lit up the world with her presence. A professional, dedicated midwife who contributed so much to the profession and those she cared for. I have many fantastic memories of our days teaching ALSO courses together over many years - something she loved and excelled at. You will be sadly missed by so many Sarah 💔

Very sad to read this about Sarah. She was such a great character & colleague over many years. I last saw Sarah last summer & she was in great form. She will be greatly missed. Sending condolences & prayers to her family & friends 🙏

Going to miss you so much beautiful lady. Such a kind and caring friend and an inspiration for many, especially those within the maternity / midwifery family. I will cherish the memories of the fun times and adventures we have had along the way. You are so loved Sarah, rest at peace now xxx

I am so sad to hear this news of Sarah. She was a wonderful woman, so warm and kind, and a passionate midwife who spent time training and mentoring others, supporting the future of this critical profession. Sarah always made me laugh, she had a uniquely sardonic sense of humour. She was 2 days older than me and, whenever we met, we always shared some age related reflections. Dear Sarah, you have so much to do so many, I hope that now you rest in peace.

When Great Trees Fall


by Maya Angelou

When great trees fall,

rocks on distant hills shudder,

lions hunker down

in tall grasses,

and even elephants

lumber after safety.



When great trees fall

in forests,

small things recoil into silence,

their senses

eroded beyond fear.



When great souls die,

the air around us becomes

light, rare, sterile.

We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,

see with

a hurtful clarity.

Our memory, suddenly sharpened,

examines,

gnaws on kind words

unsaid,

promised walks

never taken.


Great souls die and

our reality, bound to

them, takes leave of us.

Our souls,

dependent upon their

nurture,

now shrink, wizened.

Our minds, formed

and informed by their

radiance,
fall away.

We are not so much maddened

as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of
dark, cold

caves.



And when great souls die,

after a period peace blooms,

slowly and always

irregularly. Spaces fill

with a kind of

soothing electric vibration.

Our senses, restored, never

to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be

better. For they existed.

― Maya Angelou

Oh how sad. Such a passionate midwife. I worked with her over the years professionally and was at several conferences with her. Taken too soon. RIP Sarah.