A STEVENSTON ex-soldier who never got to take part in his passing out parade received a very special day out almost 60 years after he first joined the Army.

Douglas Orr, 79, joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in 1958 and served in Aden but wasn’t able to pass out due to family illness and he had to return home.

The ex-ICI worker was badly injured in an accident in the explosives factory in 1979 but never forgot his time in the forces and another former soldier, Jim Morrison of Saltcoats, and his wife Jeanette wanted to make sure he got honoured and organised a day to remember to the headquarters of the Royal Highland Fusiliers in Edinburgh.

Douglas was treated to a day as a VIP and was shown around the officer’s mess by RSM Marty Gallacher and enjoyed a tour around the barracks and a lunch.

He was presented with a momento from the day, a special bottle of malt and he returned the favour with a gift for the battalion. T

The avid church-goer described it as the ‘best day of his life’.

Douglas recently recovered from lung cancer and was delighted to be able to take part in the day with Jim and Jeanatte.

Jim said: “He is a very strong willed man and we have become close friends and it was a great day for him.”

Douglas is well-known in the town and is involved in the International Historical, Cultural and Geographical Agency along with Bobby McGuire and Alec Jamieson.

He ran a camera club in Ardeer Primary for over 30 years and is a church elder at Ardeer Parish.

Jim added: “Douglas has always helped everyone out, he is so kind and generous.”

Locals who often see Douglas out and about in Stevenston will note that he often wears his kilt and ahead of the trip to Edinburgh it was kindly cleaned by Ardrossan Highland Games Cheiftain, Iain Sutherland, of Clyde Kilts.