Tea Break: Kenny MacLeod (Leverburgh)

In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time.

This week we welcome Leverburgh's Kenny 'Clachan' MacLeod

Please introduce yourself... I'm the manager for the Harris community shop and I live in Leverburgh. I've been on many committees over the years but I currently serve as Chairperson of Leverburgh village hall, Chairperson of Leverhulme school parent council, Chairperson of the grazing committee and I'm also on the South Harris show committee and the Leverburgh playpark committee and I've just agreed to join the church finance committee oh... and I organize the Leverburgh Christmas lights.

How did you get to where you are now?

I probably got where I am today by not paying attention in school. I also have the inability to say no to people. When all my friends moved away to college or university I stayed home, which actually got me involved in volunteering with various community groups.

What is your role at the Clachan community shop?

My main role is making sure that the shop is fully stocked, staff rotas are in place and any regulations and paperwork are in order. We are a busy store, and we work hard in the summer months to carry us through the winter. The good thing about the shop is that it's community owned. We always try our best to make sure everyone is happy, especially older folk who live alone.

Tell us about your new venture, Harris Cycle Hire?

I'm not going to claim to be an avid cyclist, but I've always thought it would be a good venture and when Horgabost bike hire advertised the business for sale the time felt right. As the cost of living is increasing, I thought it would be a good way to earn extra money to help with the mortgage payments. It was tough and frustrating getting the business going with insurance etc, so it's been a steep learning curve, but the first few months were busy, and we are meeting folk from all around the world.

I enjoy telling them where to visit and where to find local wildlife. How can we hire bikes? Go to our website and fill in a booking form, message our Facebook page, or contact myself or Kirsty.

What’s next for you and your projects?

I'm looking forward to Leverburgh Village Hall being renovated. It's a project we've put lot of time and effort into, and it will breathe life into the hall and provide so many extra activities in the community.

What is your favourite Harris place?

I don't venture too far out of Leverburgh if I'm honest. I like going away with the family in October, but on a spring evening I like sitting in Kyles (south) after feeding the sheep and seeing views to Skye, Uist and the islands in the sound of Harris. Often seeing the trawlers, yachts and local boats up and down the Sound.

How do you like to spend your time off?

I don't have much free time during the week, but I spend time with the family at weekends. I enjoy watching football, but being an Aberdeen fan it's not always enjoyable or relaxing these days.

I enjoy crofting, growing vegetables in my garden, and cooking. As many crofters know, looking after sheep is challenging, but I use it as my time to switch off from everything else. It's just me (sometimes the kids) and the dog vs the sheep.

It’s tea break time. What’s your order? As it’s tea break, my drink of choice is a strong white coffee, but at the weekend, I'm partial to a few large whiskies or a red wine or two.

• Find Harris Cycle Hire on Facebook or at www.harriscyclehire.co.uk