In Memoriam: Alasdair Nicholson
Posted: 17 February 2026, in Blog-News
We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Alasdair Nicholson. Many across our movement will feel this loss deeply.
Alasdair was there at the beginning of Social Enterprise Scotland, serving on the board, in the early days, and helping to shape what the sector could become. At a time when social enterprise was still finding its feet, he was one of the people who simply got on with it, building organisations, backing communities, and showing in practical ways that a different kind of economy was possible.
He spent decades working in and for communities in the Western Isles and beyond, always focused on what would make a real difference locally. People often talk about pioneers in hindsight, and Alasdair genuinely was one. Much of what we now see as normal, collaboration across sectors, community-led solutions, and social enterprise as a credible model, was still new territory when he was helping to lead the way.
On behalf of everyone at Social Enterprise Scotland, I want to express our condolences to Alasdair’s family, friends and colleagues. His contribution to our sector, and to the communities he cared about, will not be forgotten.
Chris Martin, CEO, Social Enterprise Scotland