He first stood for Parliament at South Angus in the 1964 General Election, but was beaten by the Conservative Jock Bruce-Gardyne.
Next he stood unsuccessfully for Edinburgh West in the 1966 General Election, against the Conservative incumbent Anthony Stodart.
He favoured a non-payment campaign which Labour did not officially support, whilst the SNP had been quick to adopt such as policy.
He was unsuccessful, with Dewar winning his seat comfortably and Dunfermline West returning a Labour MP.
[3] Then Scottish first Minister, Alex Salmond paid tribute to Douglas saying he was an "extraordinary politician".