Merrilees is one of Scotland's best known policemen, thanks to a flamboyant career involving disguise, celebrated court cases, and continual charity work.
Known as "the pocket-sized detective with a battleship reputation," he was featured in the youth comic book Valiant, and painted twice by Henry Raeburn Dobson.
In November 1959 he appeared on This is your Life, hosted by Eamonn Andrews, and in 1966, his memoirs "The Short Arm of the Law" were published by John Long of London.
[2] Merrilees became known in his community for rescuing a total of 21 people from drowning,[3] and after receiving an award, he came to the attention of Sir Thomas Hutchison, Bt.
In these role in part he had the responsibility of enforcing laws against homosexuality, as a result of his surveillance both the Kosmo and Maxine's dance clubs were closed down.
[7] Working undercover as a porter, he arrested German spy Robert Petter (alias Werner Walti) in Waverley railway station in Edinburgh on 30 September 1940.