Euan MacDonald, MBE, 1974 -2024

The funeral was held at St Giles’ on Tuesday of Euan MacDonald, MBE, who died recently aged 50.

The First Minister, John Swinney was in attendance along with family, friends and colleagues from Euan’s Guide which he founded with his sister.

Euan was diagnosed with MND at the age of 29, and used his knowledge of being a wheelchair user to devise a way of helping others.

The Green Group on The City of Edinburgh Council proposed an emergency motion at the full council meeting last week to recognise Mr MacDonald’s contribution, but it will be debated at a later date.

The motion recognised Euan’s contribution to championing inclusion of disabled people in public life by setting up Euan’s Guide which “became a global resource”. Green councillors want the council to become a contributor to the guide to list accessibility information about the buildings which it owns.

Angus Robertson MSP used his time during a business session in the Chamber at The Scottish Parliament to remember Euan on Tuesday. He said: “Presiding Officer, I will begin by mentioning today’s memorial service for Euan MacDonald, who died recently from motor neurone disease. Euan lived with MND for 20 years.

“In partnership with the University of Edinburgh, he established the Euan MacDonald Centre for motor neurone disease research and the voicebank study, which enables people to preserve their voice if they are at risk of losing it due to illness. Working with his sister, Kiki, he set up Euan’s Guide, which is used by disabled people to review, share and discover accessible places to visit. He was an inspiration, and I am sure that all members will extend their condolences to his family today.”