Dr Moody is...Biggar GP Dr David Carvel

Now, with his second book in the shops, he has revealed his true

identity — Biggar GP Dr David Carvel.

"I have had some comments from patients who have said they are quite surprised to find out it was me," he said this week, after being publicly unmasked in a Sunday Times feature.

Dr Carvel began his writing career with a series of columns initially in the Peebleshire News in 2006. The articles, gentle humour or his musings on his patients also ran in the Gazette and still appear in the East Lothian Courier.

His first book, View from the Surgery — a collection of articles from the columns — appeared last year.

It was published under Dr Moody's name but the fictitious Dr Moody did thank Dr Carvel for his help. However, for the new book, Reality GP, Dr Carvel decided to go public with his identity.

He said: "When I began, my initial fear was that patients would read my work and think 'gosh, that's me' or, even worse, perceive it as a bit indiscreet.

"But I can look back with the two books and I am convinced there is no danger of somebody taking offence or recognising themselves."

His latest book is on sale from Atkinson Pryce, all good bookshops and amazon.co.uk

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now, priced just 48p.