Robert Douglas (1899-1996)

Sir Robert Douglas (1899-1996)

Born at Durisdeer, near Dumfries, the son of a farmer.

1927 Married Millicent Irene Morgan

1930 Birth of son John Robert Tomkys Douglas

1996 Died. 'A Midland industrialist who founded multi-million pound empire which built the National Exhibition Centre and the International Convention Centre in Birmingham as well as major sections of the country's motorways has died aged 98. The son of a Scottish farmer Sir Robert Douglas was born in Dumfriesshire and first set up business in Birmingham during the severe economic recession of 1930 when he founded the Douglas Group of Companies. Educated at Dumfries Academy Sir Robert joined the Army straight from school. During the First World War he served as sergeant in France with the Highland Light Infantry and Cameraman Regiment After returning to civilian life he married his wife Irene in 1927 who died in 1980. Shortly after their wedding the couple moved to Birmingham and from initial capital outlay of £3,000 the Douglas Group eventually developed into an international operation with more than 30 companies. After buying the Dunstall Estate near Burton upon Trent in 1952 Sir Robert took up the responsibilities of a village squire and introduced many improvements to local infrastructure. A farmer on his 500-acre estate, Sir Robert was president of the Staffordshire Agricultural Society in 1979. He was a member of the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works Midland Regional Advisory Committee from 1940 to 1946 chaired the Midland Section of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors and became its national president in 1958. He was awarded the OBE in 1956 and was knighted in 1976 for services to export....'

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