David’s European road trip with former FM Donald
David and Donald
While a pupil at Glasgow Academy, David became friends with Donald Dewar, who went on to become Scotland’s first ever first minister.
David said: “Two years older than the rest of us, having missed much school earlier through sanatorium treatment for tuberculosis, Donald was first in our group to get a driving licence. Before going to university, four of us clubbed together and, determining to tour Europe, bought an old ambulance for £60.
“We painted it, put in two bunks and set off for France – the ambulance broke down at Hamilton.”
But repairs were made and the school friends made it successfully to the Med and home again.
David and Dewar went to Glasgow University together. They remained lifelong friends until Dewar’s death in 2000.