Doctor Who superfan finds new home for his Dalek
BBCA Doctor Who superfan from Dumfries has found a new home for his beloved Dalek after more than a quarter of a century.
Davie Kirkwood's life-sized replica of the TV cyborgs is heading about 300 miles north to a new museum and heritage centre being built in Brora.
The Dalek has become a well-known presence in Dumfries down the years, often sitting in his front window.
However, the retired car salesman said it was time for someone else to "get the enjoyment" he has had from the model.
The 5ft 7in (1.7m) Dalek, is made from wood, metal, sink plungers and lights from a Morris Minor car.
It is based on a 1970s Dalek and was one of three made by a model maker in England called Andy Shaw.
It is part of a huge collection of memorabilia Davie has amassed over the years including a replica of robotic dog K9, autographs, books, videos and a cardboard cut out of Doctor Who star Tom Baker.
He also once had the number plate D8 WHO on his car.
However, he said the time was right to let other people enjoy it and will donate the funds raised to research into Parkinson's in memory of his late father.
"It's a big day, it's been 27 long years," he said.
"I've had great fun with the Dalek over the years and had between 400 and 500 people round at the house getting photographs over the years.
"Now I'm at an age now where I'm retired I need a bit more space.
"I've got a huge music collection and the music collections are taking priority over Doctor Who."
He said his obsession with the TV show began as a child and continued for years.
"I had great fun watching it," he said.
"I was terrified - as everybody was - I used to hide behind the couch and sort of squint round when the Daleks weren't there.
"But I got the chance to buy this about 27 years ago and it's just been great fun."
He has sold the Dalek to Nick Lindsay, chairman of the Clyne Heritage Society, who found out about it by accident.
"I was just browsing the BBC online news one day and I came across Davie's story about the Dalek and I thought that would be really useful," he said.
"The reason for that is because we're redeveloping an old parish school as our new heritage centre museum.
"The Dalek has got absolutely nothing to do with it - but I think it will be a great draw for kids and people and a great selfie opportunity."
He is buying it to donate to the museum - due to open next year - which celebrates the "unique industrial history" of the area.
He said that although the Dalek had no real link to the town they hoped to create one.
"We intend to produce a children's story book about the Daleks arriving here to exploit a mineral, precious to them, within the Brora coal seam and nowhere else, hence their presence here," he explained.
"One Dalek was left behind as a sentry to guard their special mineral - and here he is."
And he promised visitors had one guaranteed way to make sure they were safe from their new exhibit.
"Only if they don't donate, we will exterminate," he said.
