Hundreds of mourners bid last farewell to '˜Mr Glenrothes'

There was standing room only inside Kirkcaldy Crematorium with many more outside as around 400 family, friends and associates attended the funeral of the much respected community leader.

The huge turn out included two coachloads of mourners from the town’s CISWO Club where David had been club secretary for many years.

They were there to pay their last respects to David who passed away suddenly at his home on January 15 after suffering a heart attack.

One of six children, ‘Davie’ as he was known to many, finished his schooling at Auchmuty High School before starting his working career on the various farms around the outskirts of the town at that time.

He was later employed at Bookers Cash & Carry and for Fife Council on the bin lorries, where his working career was cut short after a serious back injury.

He was later one of those who founded Auchmuty and Dovecot Residents Association where he supported individuals and groups within the community.

Described as ‘never a politician, but always political’, and ‘remaining independent and able to fight the case of the underdog’, Davie also rose to national prominence when he won a landmark legal test case in his opposition to the Government’s Bedroom Tax.

Davie was also a committed dog man having kept, bred and raced greyhound dogs and made many friends both across Scotland and in England among the greyhound racing fraternity.

He also liked sports and was a lifelong Rangers fan.

One of the many attending the funeral was Mary Hill, chairman of Glenrothes YMCA, who paid tribute to Davie.

“Davie would go out of his way to help others. CISWO was a “guid neighbour” to the YMCA for many years and Davie extended a helping hand to us on many, many occasions,” she said.

“Our sincere condolences must go to his family at this sad time.”

Davie is survived by his wife Maureen and two children David and Vicky, and two grandchildren.