Jim Davidson, The  headmaster of Torphins School  was  a powerful force in the village  during the  war  years and after, retiring in 1967 after  31 years as  Headmaster. He made Torphins one of the most progressive junior secondaries in the North-East, giving many young  people a positive start in life .

He was actively involved in many local initiatives  during and after the war.  Many remember his  car treasure hunts with clues in verse.