Colin Doig, 58, admitted to assault and threatening behaviour following the incident, which took place at a property in Dundee on the evening of November 20, 2022. A disciplinary hearing by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) revealed that Doig had consumed almost three bottles of wine before the violent episode unfolded.

At around 10pm, Doig became involved in a dispute with a 14-year-old child. He then armed himself with a meat cleaver and chased the terrified teenager up a staircase. The child locked themselves in a bathroom while Doig punched and kicked the door, shouting and screaming. The teenager later told police they feared for their life.

When Doig’s wife attempted to intervene, he twice pushed her forcefully to the body, causing her to fall each time. The second fall resulted in an unstable spiral fracture of her left tibia, which required surgery to insert eight pins and a metal plate. She was subsequently placed in a moon boot for recovery.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard the case and sentenced Doig to 225 hours of unpaid community work in April 2024. He avoided a custodial sentence. Despite the conviction, Doig continued to work for Aberdeen City Council for a period before his eventual dismissal.

Following media reports of the conviction, the ARB launched an investigation. In their findings, the board cited Doig’s violent and threatening behaviour, the severity of the injuries inflicted on his wife, and the trauma caused to the child. They concluded that his actions had brought the profession into disrepute and posed a risk to public safety.

Doig’s representatives informed the ARB that he had been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in July 2023 and that he and his wife had since reconciled. However, the ARB’s Professional Conduct Committee found that the severity and nature of the offences rendered him unfit to continue practising as an architect.

A spokesperson for the ARB stated: “In light of the serious nature of the convictions, the parties agree that the imposition of an erasure order is an appropriate and proportionate disciplinary measure. The committee considers that this is necessary to protect the public interest.”

Aberdeen City Council confirmed Doig’s departure from his role.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Mr Colin Doig is no longer employed by Aberdeen City Council.”