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Selkirk Scotland |
 Craig Douglas, 1999 Colonial Society Standard Bearer. Enlarge |
James Craig Douglas was born in Viewfield hospital, Selkirk. He attended both Philiphaugh and Knowepark when not up "maulshoo" or the "skers".
Craig can trace his family tree in Selkirk back to 1777. His ancestors were stone masons and William Douglas, his great great great great grandfather, was prominent in the Selkirk Incorporation of Hammermen. The famous Douglas the Brave, who cast the Hammermen's flag many times is also from the same Douglases. Craig spent most of his childhood with his granparents who were also very keen Common Riding supporters.
His uncle, Alan Douglas, is the common riding secretary while his mother, Muriel, has ridden the marches many times. Craig is a Common riding fanatic. "I find it a very emmotional time and will throughout the common riding have a lump in my throat the size of a football."
 judith Douglas, 1999 Colonial Society Lady Busser. Enlarge |
In business since 1991, he is a safety training instructor/consultant and has travelled widely with his work. He first went to Qatar in 1995 and moved as resident in March 1997 to set up a safety survival training centre. He is married to Judith (nee Heatlie), who is also from Selkirk and will be his lady busser. Craig and Judith have two children, Amy (8) and Iain (7). Both are very excited and are singing common riding songs in anticipation of the event.
Craig's main interests are football, music, Scottish history and reciting Burns. A strong Scottish presence exists in Qatar and this year Craig officiated at two Burns suppers, Addressing the Haggis and reciting Tam O'Shanter. "Hopefully one day I will do this in Scotland."
Before he leaves Qatar for Selkirk, Craig will meet with the Emir of Qatar HH Hamad bin Khallifa al -Thani to show him the bussing ribbon.
He played border amateur football, pub league and when in Australia 1982, he played briefly for NSW Division 1 team. His highlight then was to meet the famous Tommy Docherty. Asked about Bobby Johnstone from Selkirk, Tommy replied "Has Albert still got the Fleece".
I feel very proud and honoured to be elected as colonial standard bearer and I hope I can do them proud.
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1999-05-31 BorderNet