Douglas was born in China of Scottish parents and, together with a fellow Scot, Eric Liddell of “Chariots of Fire” fame, spent his early years in Weilshien camp courtesy of the Japanese. He returned to Scotland after the war and was educated at Glenalmond College in Perthshire and then at St John`s College, Oxford, from where he graduated with a degree in law.

Looking to the potential interest of an expatriate way of life, he joined J & P Coats Ltd and worked variously in Venezuela and Glasgow before coming to Brazil for a brief spell in 1970/71, when he first joined the Society. He became a committee member and was inter alia responsible for the updating and printing of the Society`s Constitution and Regulations at that time.

After further spells in Chile, Venezuela and Glasgow, Douglas returned to Brazil again in 1988 as President of Linhas Corrente. He was re-elected to the Committee, then became Vice President, finding himself in the President`s seat when Robert Paterson was recalled to the UK shortly after taking office.

The initial good work of Robert`s allowed all the traditional events to go ahead. The Caledonian Ball was held successfully at the German Club and the Banquet at the Hilton. The Society won the Munro Cup in a multi event contest against the American Society with an infirm but clearheaded Toby Dods, President in 1950, starring in a General Knowledge quiz. His daughter-in-law, Jean, Robin`s wife, then sang magnificently to entertain members and guests at the Burns Supper as the Society`s year drew to a close.

In 1990 the World Cup was held in Italy and Andy Roxburgh was the Scottish coach. Scotland was beaten by Costa Rica and Brazil, but scored 2-1 over Sweden, which enthused the Scottish fans.

The major initiative of Douglas` Presidency was to take the Society golf match to Itú. It had been proving difficult to get access to the principal São Paulo golf courses over previous years and so play for the silver Quaich. Travelling to Itú allowed the Society not only to hold the annual tournament but to make the occasion into a weekend family affair which was a great success. Douglas failed as always to win the Quaich, which was won by M Gibson, but his wife Joan, took the Ladies Prize donated by Douglas!

Douglas returned to Scotland in 1993. Joan and he have 3 sons, Hugo, Nick and Colin. He enjoys his golf, has spent a lot of his time at Murrayfield, being rewarded by witnessing the Grand Slam victory there in April 1990, and has walked the hills of Scotland. Despite a career spent overseas he managed to complete all the Munros in 1989 and is recorded in the Scotland Mountaineering Club Journal as the 654th Munroist.