Kilt-wearing Forfar community stalwart Doug Nicol, the man who proudly said he did not own a pair of trousers, has passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family, aged 92.
A lay preacher for 27 years, Mr Nicol was a well-known character in and around the town and was renowned for wearing his kilt every day, irrespective of the conditions.
His family fondly recall a trip to a glacier in Alaska where the fierce weather there still was not enough to force a change in his daily attire.
His loved ones remember a committed family man, always cool and calm, no matter what crisis may have unfolded.
He loved playing Santa at Kirkriggs school nursery every year, a tradition that brought him a lot of joy.
Born in in August 1927, in South Street, Forfar, he worked for town horticultural firm William Duff and Son, where he was company secretary.
He will remembered most for a lifetime’s commitment to the Forfar community.
He was a community councillor for many years and a founder member and past chairman of the Forfar Community Bus Trust, The Forfarian.
He was also a founder member, past chairman and recipient of the town’s Andrew Smyth Award, Forfar’s annual citizenship honour.
His family paid tribute to his incredible memory, which was put to good effect when reciting Burns from memory at the many suppers he presided over.
A man of strong faith, he took up lay preaching after retiring and frequently led services in Glamis, Aberlemno, Kilry and Broughty Ferry.
He was an elder at the East and Old Church for more than 37 years and latterly a member of the Lowson Memorial Church, where he was married and his four daughters were all christened.
His membership of the Freemasonry movement was another source of personal pride. He was a member at Forfar Kilwinning No 90 and rose to be a holder of the 32nd degree, one of the organisation’s top honours.
Mr Nicol was secretary of the Forfar lodge for more than 30 years and held offices including master, past master and honorary master.
His funeral will take place on Wednesday at Lowson Memorial Church.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, four daughters and six grandchildren.
