A devoted Doctor Who fan in Scotland has found a new residence for his beloved Dalek replica after it became a local attraction, with over 500 people visiting his home to take pictures with it. Davie Kirkwood, aged 60, had owned the 5ft 7in cyborg for 27 years, proudly displaying it in his front window in Dumfries. The Dalek had become an iconic landmark in the town, attracting multiple visitors daily for a photo opportunity.
Having recently retired and downsized his collection of sci-fi memorabilia, Davie felt it was time for someone else to appreciate and enjoy the Dalek. After receiving 35 offers to purchase the Dalek, Davie decided to sell it for £1,250 to Nick Lindsay, chairman of the Clyne Heritage Society. The Dalek will soon be relocated to Brora in the Scottish Highlands, where it will be part of a new heritage centre museum being set up in a renovated school.
Davie, who has been a fan of Doctor Who for over four decades, reminisced about his childhood fear of the Daleks and shared how the Dalek had been a source of joy for his own children as well. Over the years, hundreds of people have visited his home to have their picture taken with the Dalek, which has also been featured on TV and in newspapers.
The Dalek, a replica from the 1970s era of Tom Baker’s Doctor, was one of only three made by English model maker Andy Shaw. The Clyne Heritage Society plans to create a children’s book linking the Dalek to the town of Brora, adding a fun and educational element to its new role as a photo opportunity for visitors.
Proceeds from the sale of the Dalek will be donated to Parkinson’s UK in memory of Davie’s father, who struggled with Parkinson’s Disease. Davie expressed his happiness in knowing that the Dalek will continue to bring joy to others and looked forward to visiting the heritage centre in Brora once it opens.
In conclusion, the story of Davie Kirkwood and his Dalek showcases the enduring appeal of Doctor Who and the power of nostalgia in bringing communities together. The transformation of a sci-fi icon into a piece of local history and the charitable gesture behind its sale highlight the positive impact of fandom and storytelling in our society.