Dave Doogan: Scottish National Party MP Shaping the Future of Angus and Perthshire Glens

Dave Doogan is a Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who has served as a Member of Parliament since December 2019. Born on March 4, 1973, in Perth, Scotland, he represents the Angus and Perthshire Glens constituency. Known for his strong advocacy of rural communities, defense procurement, and Scottish interests at Westminster, Dave Doogan has built a reputation as a hardworking MP. His journey from aircraft engineer to Parliament highlights his commitment to public service, while his family life and political vision reflect his deep connection to the people he represents.

Introduction

When discussing influential Scottish politicians in recent years, one name consistently appears: Dave Doogan. Representing the Scottish National Party, Doogan has carved out a space for himself in both local and national politics. Since 2019, he has been a steadfast representative in Westminster, first for the Angus constituency and now for Angus and Perthshire Glens. His political career, personal background, and clear policy positions make him one of the most prominent SNP MPs currently shaping Scotland’s voice in the UK Parliament.

This article provides an in-depth look at Dave Doogan’s age, family, net worth, biography, political contributions, and future prospects, ensuring readers gain a comprehensive understanding of his journey.

Early Life and Education

Dave Doogan was born on March 4, 1973, in Perth, Scotland. Growing up in a working-class family, his upbringing shaped his political philosophy and his understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Scots. Unlike many career politicians, Doogan began his professional life outside politics.

He trained as an aircraft engineer and worked with the Ministry of Defence, specializing in maintaining Sea King search and rescue helicopters. This role gave him not only technical expertise but also a sense of discipline, precision, and responsibility. His experience in this field later influenced his interest in defense procurement and national security.

Seeking a deeper involvement in political life, he left engineering to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Dundee. He graduated with first-class honors in 2011, marking the transition into his public service career.

Entry into Politics

Doogan’s political career began at the local level. In 2012, he was elected as a councillor for Perth City North. During this time, he took on significant responsibilities, including serving as Convenor of Housing and Health. His leadership focused on affordable housing, community well-being, and improved services for vulnerable groups.

By 2017, he had established himself as a respected local leader and became the SNP group leader on Perth and Kinross Council. This role allowed him to gain valuable experience in governance, leadership, and policy-making, which prepared him for higher political office.

Rise to Member of Parliament

In the 2019 General Election, Dave Doogan stood as the SNP candidate for the Angus constituency. He successfully unseated the Conservative incumbent, securing his place in the House of Commons. His victory was a significant moment for the SNP, as Angus has historically been a politically contested area.

Following boundary changes, the Angus constituency was abolished in 2023, replaced by Angus and Perthshire Glens. Doogan contested the new seat in the 2024 General Election and won, continuing his parliamentary career without interruption. His ability to retain voter trust through these changes demonstrates his strong local support.

Parliamentary Roles and Achievements

Since his arrival at Westminster, Dave Doogan has taken on several important responsibilities within the SNP’s parliamentary group. He has served as:

• SNP Spokesperson for Agriculture and Rural Affairs

• SNP Spokesperson for Manufacturing

• SNP Spokesperson for Defence Procurement

• SNP Defence Spokesperson

• SNP Spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero

These roles highlight his versatility and willingness to engage in different policy areas. His background in engineering made him particularly well-suited for defense procurement and manufacturing portfolios, while his rural roots gave him credibility in agricultural discussions.

Doogan is also a member of the Scottish Affairs Committee and participates in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where he contributes to debates on economic and security matters.

Dave Doogan Age

As of 2025, Dave Doogan is 52 years old. Born in 1973, he entered Parliament relatively later in life compared to many politicians. His age and career background give him a unique perspective: he combines professional experience outside politics with academic knowledge and practical leadership in government.

Dave Doogan Family

Family plays an important role in Dave Doogan’s life. He has been married to Gillian Kirk since 1999, and together they have a son and a daughter. His family remains largely private, but his Catholic faith and strong sense of community influence his values as both a husband, father, and politician.

Dave Doogan Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Dave Doogan’s net worth is estimated to be modest compared to many long-term career politicians. His primary income comes from his role as an MP, with an annual salary of around £86,000 plus allowances for parliamentary duties. Before politics, his work as an aircraft engineer and local councillor would not have contributed significantly to wealth accumulation.

Unlike some politicians, he is not known for large business ventures or private investments. His financial profile reflects his working-class background and focus on public service rather than personal enrichment.

Dave Doogan Wikipedia Profile

Dave Doogan’s career and biography are well-documented on Wikipedia. His page outlines his early life, career as an engineer, political journey, and parliamentary contributions. It serves as a reliable reference point for those interested in his professional life, though it lacks some of the personal insights into his family and net worth covered here.

Political Beliefs and Voting Record

Doogan’s political positions align closely with the SNP’s vision for Scotland. Key themes include:

Support for Scottish independence and further devolution of powers.

Commitment to rural communities, focusing on agriculture, housing, and local services.

Environmental responsibility, advocating for climate change action while balancing Scotland’s role in oil and gas production.

Progressive social policies, including opposition to restrictive immigration laws and defense of human rights.

Economic justice, with calls for fairer treatment of Scottish industries and manufacturing.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many politicians, Dave Doogan has faced challenges. In 2023, a media report questioned an expenses claim linked to a London congestion charge. While initially controversial, it was later clarified and resolved by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which issued an apology.

In 2024, he attempted to crowdfund his campaign through JustGiving, but the platform removed the page due to restrictions on political fundraising. Despite this hiccup, Doogan successfully raised support through alternative methods.

These incidents, while notable, have not significantly damaged his reputation. Instead, they reflect the scrutiny that comes with public office.

Connection to Constituents

One of Dave Doogan’s strongest qualities is his visible presence in his constituency. He frequently engages with local organizations, from broadband rollout projects to volunteer rescue teams. His consistent involvement ensures that his constituents see him as a hands-on representative who understands their daily concerns.

Future Prospects

As the SNP continues to push for Scottish independence, Dave Doogan’s role at Westminster will remain important. His background in defense, energy, and rural affairs positions him as a valuable voice in the party’s broader strategy. Given his experience and loyalty to the SNP, he may rise further within the party ranks or take on more prominent committee responsibilities.

Conclusion

Dave Doogan is more than just an MP; he is a politician shaped by life experience, community engagement, and a commitment to Scotland’s future. At 52, he brings maturity and grounded values to his work in Parliament. His age, family background, modest net worth, and Wikipedia-documented career paint a picture of a man dedicated to service rather than personal gain.

From his days as an aircraft engineer to his current role as a Scottish National Party MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, Dave Doogan’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and leadership. For constituents and observers alike, he remains a figure to watch in Scottish and UK politics.