Allan Dorans
Born in Dailly in 1955, the youngest of nine children. We were poor.
Attended Dailly Primary School and subsequently Carrick Academy between 1967 and 1971.
In 1972 joined the Metropolitan Police and served as a uniform and CID officer achieving the rank of Detective Inspector at the early age of 29
Returned to Ayr in 1988 to a senior role in Human Resources Management for about 12 years, followed by a further career in conflict resolution (mediation) for about six years.
In 2012 elected and served as an SNP Councillor for five years at South Ayrshire Council becoming Leader of the SNP Group.
In 2019 elected as a Member of Parliament representing the Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituency at Westminster.
Attended Dailly Primary School and subsequently Carrick Academy between 1967 and 1971.
In 1972 joined the Metropolitan Police and served as a uniform and CID officer achieving the rank of Detective Inspector at the early age of 29
Returned to Ayr in 1988 to a senior role in Human Resources Management for about 12 years, followed by a further career in conflict resolution (mediation) for about six years.
In 2012 elected and served as an SNP Councillor for five years at South Ayrshire Council becoming Leader of the SNP Group.
In 2019 elected as a Member of Parliament representing the Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituency at Westminster.
Pupil Questions
What were you like as a pupil at Carrick Academy? How does this differ/stay the same to how you are as a person now?
I was not an ideal pupil at Carrick Academy with my academic achievements being relatively poor and affected by my unauthorised absences from school. Although I did not appreciate this at the time, I probably had the ability to do better, if I had taken advantage of the opportunities for learning provided by the school and teaching staff. I was at that time quite shy, not very confident and not a great communicator. However, as I developed through my career as a Police Officer and other positions of responsibility, my confidence in my own ability has grown and I am now a much better all-round communicator.
During your time at Carrick, which teacher/teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why do you think this was the case?
I remember Big Joe Fulton, who was a Maths Teacher. Although, I hated maths and was never able to master algebra and geometry, I remember Joe spending additional time trying to help me, but unfortunately it didn’t work! It was Big Joe who provided me with a reference as a person to be a suitable candidate for the police which helped me become a Police Cadet in the Metropolitan Police in 1972. I still have that reference, signed James Fulton, Depute Rector.
Was the career path you took the one that you had originally planned? If not, what were your aspirations at school?
Initially yes. At school I had the aspiration to be a Police Officer. I had a very successful career in the Metropolitan Police becoming a Detective Inspector at the young age of 28. Following that I embarked upon different careers as a Senior Human Resources professional, a conflict resolution specialist, a Councillor at South Ayrshire Council and now as the Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. I cannot say that after the leaving the Police that I had any defined or planned career path but adapted to change, situations and career opportunities as they developed.
How hard has it been to have success in your field? What has enabled you to achieve your success?
There have been a number of challenges which I have been able to overcome using the knowledge, skills and experience gained from the various positions of responsibility which I have held. Success in any field is achievable but it requires hard work, commitment, motivation, determination, the willingness to change, learn and develop new skills throughout life.
Were there any particular subjects from your time at school that you feel have helped you on your journey?
Yes. History and Modern Studies which gave me an interest in the development of the history of this country and its place in the world and an introduction to politics and the democratic processes which eventually led me to becoming a Member of Parliament.
What words of advice would you give the current pupils of Carrick Academy in relation to school and life beyond school?
Take advantage of the opportunities for learning which the school and further education provides. You are unique. You have individual skills and talents which are not always academic. Be what you want to be in life, have a dream, a vision, and a plan. Be passionate. Do not doubt yourself, be confident and never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot achieve your dream or vision. Work hard and develop a good work ethic. Learn new skills continually throughout your life. Accept and embrace change. Stay positive despite setbacks. Find a good cause or charity you care about and which interests you. Support it and give it your time. Volunteer and give something back to the community. Whenever you can, help others who may be less fortunate than you. Look after each other and be kind. Work towards ensuring you have the right work life balance which suits you and your family. Take time out for your personal interests of outside work. Make sure there is always time for family, friends, leisure, love, laughter and fun. Above all, enjoy your life.
I was not an ideal pupil at Carrick Academy with my academic achievements being relatively poor and affected by my unauthorised absences from school. Although I did not appreciate this at the time, I probably had the ability to do better, if I had taken advantage of the opportunities for learning provided by the school and teaching staff. I was at that time quite shy, not very confident and not a great communicator. However, as I developed through my career as a Police Officer and other positions of responsibility, my confidence in my own ability has grown and I am now a much better all-round communicator.
During your time at Carrick, which teacher/teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why do you think this was the case?
I remember Big Joe Fulton, who was a Maths Teacher. Although, I hated maths and was never able to master algebra and geometry, I remember Joe spending additional time trying to help me, but unfortunately it didn’t work! It was Big Joe who provided me with a reference as a person to be a suitable candidate for the police which helped me become a Police Cadet in the Metropolitan Police in 1972. I still have that reference, signed James Fulton, Depute Rector.
Was the career path you took the one that you had originally planned? If not, what were your aspirations at school?
Initially yes. At school I had the aspiration to be a Police Officer. I had a very successful career in the Metropolitan Police becoming a Detective Inspector at the young age of 28. Following that I embarked upon different careers as a Senior Human Resources professional, a conflict resolution specialist, a Councillor at South Ayrshire Council and now as the Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. I cannot say that after the leaving the Police that I had any defined or planned career path but adapted to change, situations and career opportunities as they developed.
How hard has it been to have success in your field? What has enabled you to achieve your success?
There have been a number of challenges which I have been able to overcome using the knowledge, skills and experience gained from the various positions of responsibility which I have held. Success in any field is achievable but it requires hard work, commitment, motivation, determination, the willingness to change, learn and develop new skills throughout life.
Were there any particular subjects from your time at school that you feel have helped you on your journey?
Yes. History and Modern Studies which gave me an interest in the development of the history of this country and its place in the world and an introduction to politics and the democratic processes which eventually led me to becoming a Member of Parliament.
What words of advice would you give the current pupils of Carrick Academy in relation to school and life beyond school?
Take advantage of the opportunities for learning which the school and further education provides. You are unique. You have individual skills and talents which are not always academic. Be what you want to be in life, have a dream, a vision, and a plan. Be passionate. Do not doubt yourself, be confident and never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot achieve your dream or vision. Work hard and develop a good work ethic. Learn new skills continually throughout your life. Accept and embrace change. Stay positive despite setbacks. Find a good cause or charity you care about and which interests you. Support it and give it your time. Volunteer and give something back to the community. Whenever you can, help others who may be less fortunate than you. Look after each other and be kind. Work towards ensuring you have the right work life balance which suits you and your family. Take time out for your personal interests of outside work. Make sure there is always time for family, friends, leisure, love, laughter and fun. Above all, enjoy your life.