Dr Ernest McAlpine (Mac) Armstrong C.B., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.G.P

Dr Armstrong was Chief Medical Officer for Scotland from 2001 to 2005, responsible for all aspects of the public health, health services, health protection and health improvement.  He is a past Secretary of the British Medical Association, and travelled to Medical Associations in all five continents as well as to the WHO.  He graduated from Glasgow University with a B.Sc. with first class honours in Physiology in 1968 and M.B., Ch.B. with Honours in 1970.  He was appointed Lecturer in Pathology at the University of Glasgow and served, as a TA Medical Officer, as RMO to 32(Scottish) Signal Regiment (V) and with 60 Field Squadron RE in Kenya.  He then trained in General Practice and moved to become a principal in a large west highland practice at Connel in Argyll, combining general practice with anaesthetics at the West Highland Hospital, GP obstetrics and managing cottage hospital beds.  He developed interests in medical politics and management, chairing enquiries for Scottish Ministers into Mental Hospitals and Maternity Services and holding a number of senior elected positions in the BMA including Chairman of Scottish Council. Now retired, he maintains a variety of interests in public health and medical management and is Chairman of Trustees of Oban Hospice Ltd.  He is Honorary Colonel of 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital (Volunteers).