Today we bid farewell to another Hamilton Rugby legend, Dougie Davy, who sadly passed away in Kilbryde Hospice during the early hours of Friday morning. He was a larger than life character ‘weel kent’ by folks within Hamilton and throughout central Scotland’s rugby community. Most often the first person to offer a warm greeting to newcomers to our club, Dougie would hold residency at the end of the bar and take on all comers in good natured debates on any topic you chose to mention.

Dougie was born in 1959 and spent his formative years in Meikle Earnock, moving to a flat above the George pub during a period when the family ran the Hamilton landmark.

Dougie’s first taste of rugby was as a pupil at Hamilton Grammar and later joining Clydesdale on his move to senior rugby. When he eventually ‘saw the light’ and joined the Bulls, he quickly became an almost permanent front row fixture for the 3rd XV but with regular cameos for the 2nds `he more than held his own against much younger, bigger and fitter opposition.

Despite his skills and knowledge of front row dark arts, Dougie was best known for his commitment to his unique pre-match warm up routine which centred around a smoke and a pint of Guinness. Recognising the need for consistency throughout the match, Dougie would regularly replenish his energy with another pint of the black stuff at half time.

For many years Dougie held the position of 3rd XV captain and organiser, and by doing so helped to provide a pathway for a stream of young talent that went on to flourish in the Bulls 1st XV.

After hanging up his boots, sometime in his mid 50s, Dougie regularly lent a hand on match days to make sure sponsors and guests attending hospitality had the best experience possible at Laigh Bent. He also used his plant hire work contacts to secure much needed equipment for our big events.

Away from rugby Dougie was a proud family man. He was deeply devoted to Liz, his childhood sweetheart who he married 43 years ago. He proudly boasted about how much he loved her cooking. He also did everything he could to encourage their children Alastair and Emma as they developed their talents with Hamilton District Youth Theatre, spending 15 years as a committee member and as chairman.

Whilst neither of their children showed much interest in playing rugby, Dougie was delighted when Emma’s husband Todd, a New Zealander, joined the family and gave him a buddy for regular trips to Murrayfield.

He was even more delighted at the arrival of grandchildren Amelia and Alex and enjoyed nothing more than spending days at Chatelherault Country Park with his granddaughter. He will be a huge loss to his family and friends.

In keeping with Dougie’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. However, I’m sure we will all find our own way to remember him as the character he was and to raise a pint of the black stuff in tribute.

Our thoughts are with Liz, Alastair, Emma, Todd, Amelia and Alex.