Dougie Baillie remembered as Sunday Post stalwart passes away

Dougie Baillie covering his final game for the Sunday Post

The Association is saddened to report the passing of former President and Sunday Post stalwart Dougie Baillie.

Dougie, who was 85, was one of the great characters of the press boxes of Scotland.

However, he had been a highly accomplished player with Airdrie, Rangers, Third Lanark, Falkirk and Dunfermline.

Former SFWA presidents have paid their tributes to Dougie, who held the role between 1990 and 1993.

Jim Black said: “Very sad news. Dougie was, as others have said, larger than life in more ways than one - a big man and a big presence with a sense of humour and a couldn't give a damn attitude when dealing with those blighted by a sense of self-importance.

“I'm glad I shared a lot of good moments - and sometimes even hotel rooms - with him.”

The former Daily Mail writer Brian Scott said:” I'll remember him fondly; principally for his sense of fun and, latterly, his stoicism

Roddy Forsyth said: “Saddened to hear of Doug's passing. A large presence - literally - in the press box, he was one of the funniest men in our business. Hope he's having a celestial pint with Juan Hombre (John Mann).”

Allan Herron, former chief sportswriter of the Sunday Mail, revealed that he was instrumental in getting that move from Falkirk to Dunfermline where he played in Europe.

He said: “Their manager George Farm said to me he needed an imposing stopper and I suggested Dougie.

“He did exactly that and Dougie as a key player for them.

“Dougie was a great colleague and we spent many good times together, especially when we worked closely at World Cup Finals.”

Tom Duthie, who was a DC Thomson stablemate on Dundee’s Evening Telegraph, said: “Sad news. Doug was larger than life and larger than most when it came to helping others.”