Wednesday 20 January 2010

Bill McLaren of Hawick - 1923 to 2010


I was fortunate to meet Bill McLaren a couple of times in my youth due to my interest in rugby. His knowledge of rugby was truly extraordinary and his unbiased commentary, executed with his distinct Borders dialect, held thousands of Scots in thrall to the wonders of the game for many, many years.

He had a love of teaching the young the game and once he left teaching to work for the BBC he continually refused to move south of the border to commentate on other sports.

He was a Borderer first and foremost. A Scotsman Scotland and Scottish rugby will never forget. RIP

6 comments:

Cate Munro said...

Spot on Sb! R.I.P. Bil McLaren

Crinkly & Ragged Arsed Philosophers said...

Sad. He brought you onto the pitch and into the game.

subrosa said...

His voice mesmerised me Crinkly. He had a lovely measured tone. Even if you weren't a great rugby fan he held the attention of the country with his knowledge.

subrosa said...

You like rugby too TT? Aye, a woman of taste. :)

Jockdownsouth said...

Was it due to your interest in rugby, SR, or perhaps your interest in hunky rugby players? :-)

Back on topic, Bill was the best.

subrosa said...

It all started when I lived in the Borders as a teenager Jock and my best pal had a massive crush on a player. So, being best pals, I had to trail round the matches with her but eventually they started dating (although only for around a year if I remember) but we went to the rugby club dances etc.

Ah those were the days.

Aye he was a gentleman but his name will live on for generations.

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