W David S McLay

William David Shanks McLay (“David”) was born in Battlefield, Glasgow, and educated at the High School of Glasgow, where he edited the school magazine, demonstrating an ability he pursued in his subsequent medical career. Initially, he studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. His surgical aptitude in orthopaedics led to the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1968. It was in the early stages of his medical training as a young resident that he met a theatre sister at the Victoria Infirmary, Isobel, who became his soulmate and future wife.

David’s interest in matters forensic led to his appointment as chief medical officer in 1969 of what evolved into Strathclyde …