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Doug Davidson obituary: Larger-than-life Dundee special policeman was force to be reckoned with

Doug Davidson MBE
Tributes for Doug Davidson MBE, former special policeman and caretaker of Angus Riding for the Disabled.

Retired special constable Douglas Davidson, who received an MBE for his services to Tayside Police, has died aged 84.

Born in Perth on October 12, 1938, Doug was the eldest of five children for housewife Helen and joiner Douglas Davidson.

Originally from Ardargie, the family moved nearer to Crieff while the children were still small. Doug attended primary school near to their Abercairny home then onto Crieff Junior Secondary School.

A motor mechanic apprenticeship followed at a garage in Crieff but he completed his apprenticeship at Jack McNeil’s in Broughty Ferry. On qualifying as a mechanic he started working for Lamb’s Garage in Dundee where he advanced his career. In 1985 when the garage eventually closed Doug had progressed to service manager.

Special police force

Alongside his paid employment he joined Tayside Police special constabulary in 1975. At 6ft 4in weighing 19 stone Doug was a larger-than-life figure who was popular with the regular force, especially when policing the streets of Dundee at the weekends.

After the closure of Lamb’s Doug found a job in the lost property office of Tayside Police and continued volunteering with the specials. Crime prevention and advising members of the public became his focus and Doug was seen all over the region with the police caravan handing out home and community safety information.

Doug Davidson pictured behind a desk of his Tayside police office.
At work in the lost property office, Doug Davidson.

His dedication and commitment to the force was recognised in 1999 when he was awarded an MBE for services to Tayside Police.

Meeting the Queen

Elinor Phillips, Doug’s sister, remembers that time fondly.

She said: “It was such an exciting time. Doug was informed about the award and we were all sworn to secrecy. He received the medal in Edinburgh from the Queen, which was very special and myself, my sister and my aunt accompanied him.

Doug Davidson centre, after receiving his MBE at Holyrood. His sister Elinor Phillips and aunt Julia Collier are on the left, and sister Jennifer Duguid to the right.
Doug Davidson centre, after receiving his MBE at Holyrood. His sister Elinor Phillips and aunt Julia Collier are on the left, and sister Jennifer Duguid to the right.

“It was a really special day. I’m very proud of all my brother achieved, and how much he dedicated himself to public service.”

Angus Riding for the Disabled

Doug retired from the lost property office at 65, in 2003, but it wasn’t time for him to rest just yet. Instead he became caretaker for Angus Riding for the Disabled, and remained in that post until his death on October 22.

“He loved his job. He loved to see the kids doing so well on the ponies and seeing them thrive,” added Elinor.

Pictured with Glen, a black and white collie, is former special policeman Doug Davidson.
Glen the Collie, owned by Doug’s sister and brother-in-law, with his ‘Uncle Doug.’

Doug never married but was a popular uncle and great uncle for his many nieces and nephews.

In his spare time he loved to go fishing and was a motorbike enthusiast. On his Yamaha 1200 alongside brother-in-law Dave Phillips he often toured Angus and Royal Deeside. He also had a fully qualified glider, having held his license for many years.

Final farewell

In his latter years Doug moved from Broughty Ferry to Inverarity but passed away in Whitehills Hospital following a short illness, though he had been diagnosed with leukaemia six years earlier.

Keen motorbike enthusiast, Doug Davidson.
Keen motorbike enthusiast, Doug Davidson.

A simple funeral, as per Doug’s wishes, was to take place on Thursday, November 3 at Park Grove Crematorium, Friockheim.

You can read the family’s announcement here.

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