As a student, Dougie was Social Secretary at Strathclyde Uni when he booked Billy Connolly a gig! They remain good friends. As a young DJ Dougie first found his voice, that Glasgow one, before sending a demo tape to Radio Clyde. From 1979 to 1992 he presented Radio Clyde's mid-morning show, the most listened to midweek programme, leaving to present on TV. Dougie established himself as a sports presenter and his skills as a chat show host were also recognised when he fronted a series 'Friday Night with Dougie Donnelly' and a one-off television special with Billy Connolly, 'Connolly with Donnelly' both for BBC Scotland.