Sheriff Richard Davidson

Sheriff Richard Davidson

Richard Davidson, 72, served as Sheriff in Dundee for almost 20 years up to 2016 before serving as sheriff in Fort William and Portree up to his retirement four years ago. Prior to his shrieval appointment in 1989, Sheriff Davidson was a litigation partner in a leading Glasgow law firm.

Sheriff Davidson adhered to the traditional view of the role of the sheriff in that he believed they ought to be part of the community that they served and he firmly embedded himself in Dundee, devoting a considerable amount of his free time to local worthy causes.

His commitment to the community in Dundee earned him popularity in the city where he was recognized for his hard work and humanity.

Former president of the Dundee Bar Association, George Donnelly, said: “Sheriff Davidson was very popular in Dundee and greatly respected. He strived hard to get his judgments right and was appreciated for his ferocious intelligence tempered by a humane approach. His bark was worse than his bite. If there was a way forward for a client who could benefit from a second chance, he would give them that chance.”

He added: “Richard ran his court efficiently but for the good of all those who appeared. He was particularly helpful and considerate when dealing with new or inexperienced lawyers. He was very popular.”

Sheriff Davidson could deliver his judgements with a flourish and courted controversy on more than one occasion. He was not afraid to say publicly what many lawyers believed privately.

In 2013, while clearing a Celtic supporter of singing a rebel song, he criticised new anti-sectarian legislation and specifically the drafting of it as “mince”.

He added: “I’ve been attending football matches since 1957 and there is nothing I’ve seen in this particular case that would cause me the slightest concern.

“Sectarianism is a blight on Scottish society, but this isn’t the way to tackle it. The way to tackle it is to do away with denominational schools.

“If they can proscribe a list of songs which people are banned from singing, they will find the courts are full and the football grounds are empty.”

There was speculation that the resulting row led to Sheriff Davidson’s ‘internal exile’ to the Highlands.

But Sheriff Davidson declined to be silenced. Dealing with a woman, a first offender who appeared from custody, accused of shouting at her husband, he lamented the lack of discretion afforded to police and prosecutors by new domestic abuse legislation.

Predictably, there was outrage in some quarters when he said: “If only politicians would take the time to get off their backsides and come into court and see the trouble they are causing for ordinary people who may have an argument in their house, they would see that the domestic abuse laws are way over the top.”

In his retirement in Blairgowrie, Sheriff Davidson enjoyed time with his family and his hobbies which included golf and photography. He also continued to volunteer with Dundee University.

Graham Ogilivy