​The Chieftain for 2026 is Mrs Mairi Eastcroft.

Born in Darlington in 1961 where she spent her formative years and completed her school education. In 1962 Mairi made her first of many trips to kinlochbervie with her family. This was followed by many more trips along with her family where they would spend around 12 weeks a year during the school holidays staying in Droman, which is still her favourite place.

In 1979 Mairi commenced general nurse training at Darlington Memorial Hospital, then moved north in 1982 to take up the position as staff nurse in the orthopedics department at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. In 1985 Mairi left Raigmore Hospital to move to Polin, Kinlochbervie and her son James was born in September 1985.

Since her move north Mairi has been a dedicated nursing professional and very important figure providing medical care and support across the North West area for many years. Often working above and beyond to help patients and families.

In 1989 Mairi took up the position of community staff nurse covering the areas of Durness, Kinlochbervie and Scourie and then in 1990 undertaking her midwifery training. In 1992 Mairi was back working locally as Staff Nurse Midwife. In 2000 she completed a degree in community health. There have been many changes of titles over the years but to the local community she has always been known as "Mairi the Nurse".

At the time of her retirement Mairi was District Nursing Sister, and has since gone back to work in Durness, Kinlochbervie and Scourie Health Centre's as Practice Nurse.

Mairi still lives in Kinlochbervie with her Husband Willie and enjoys community life. Over the years she has loved her job, often covering an area of 500 square miles. Gaining a wide and varied experience. "It's so rewarding to be trusted to be a small part of the lives of the community where I live".