BILL McLAREN, the iconic Scottish rugby commentator who passed away seven years ago today, is commemorated by a foundation set up by his family in his name, which aims to support individuals and organisations to actively promote and develop rugby union and its values, as well as provide opportunities for youngsters in a wide range of other sports.
The great man’s name also lives on in the Bill McLaren Shield, which is competed for by Scottish clubs on a challenge basis similar to the Ranfurly Shield in New Zealand, and as it happens Heriot’s were competing last Saturday to become only the second team ever to have their name engraved on the trophy in recognition of achieving four successful home defences.
Currie provided the opposition at Goldenacre and after a keenly contested match the home side eventually emerged as 25-17 victors.
Scottish Rugby were on hand to record the action –
Bill’s daughter Linda Lawson and her husband Alan (a former Heriot’s and Scotland scrum-half) attended a sold-out pre-match lunch at Goldenacre before the game, and they took time out to speak to The Offside Line about what it means to the family to have the name celebrated through the Shield –
They also explained why the Bill McLaren Foundation was set up and discussed in more detail some of its goals –
And they gave an insight into the work which goes into raising funds to support the foundations guiding principles –
To find out more about the Bill McLaren Foundation, visit –