Murrayfield to host evening in tribute to Bill McLaren

RUGBY greats will take part in a public tribute night on 11 March in memory of the late commentator Bill McLaren.

The event at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh is expected to feature Scotland's cap centurion Chris Paterson and Wales legend Gerald Davies among others.

A big screen will be set up with specially-created match footage accompanied by some of the broadcaster's most evocative commentary.

McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died peacefully in his hometown of Hawick aged 86 on 19 January.

BBC presenter Dougie Donnelly, the host for the evening, will welcome tributes from former British and Irish Lions captains Gavin Hastings and Bill Beaumont. Donnelly said: "I am honoured to be part of this tribute to a truly worldwide rugby icon.

"I have happy memories of working with Bill. He was the ultimate professional and a true gentleman."

The gates at Murrayfield will be open from 5pm on Thursday, 11 March, two nights before the Calcutta Cup match against England.

Free commemorative programmes will be available and musical accompaniment will be provided by a Welsh male voice choir, the Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band and Dollar Academy Pipe Band.

Andy Irvine, former Scotland and British and Irish Lions full-back, who will also add his tribute, said of McLaren: "He had the most magnificent voice, a great Hawick twang.

"He had tremendous experience of the game, and I don't think people understand or appreciate how dedicated he was to rugby as a whole. Bill was able to draw in the grannies, aunties and those who would never otherwise watch a game of rugby."

Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie said: "Scottish Rugby is privileged to welcome everyone to Murrayfield to pay tribute to Bill McLaren.

"I'm sure it will be a memorable evening and it would be great to see a big turnout to remember a truly special Scot."