5000 fans pay tribute to 'voice of rugby' Bill McLaren

STV
McLaren: known as the 'voice of rugby' for his unique commentary.© STV

The great and the good of British rugby joined Scots fans to pay tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren.

The special evening event was held at Murrayfield in memory of the "voice of rugby", who died in January, aged 86.

Scotland's cap centurion Chris Paterson and Wales legend Gerald Davies and Scotland full-back Gavin Hastings were among those attending the event, dubbed a celebration of Mr McLaren's contribution to the game. A big screen showed specially created match footage featuring some of the Hawick broadcaster's most memorable commentary, and commemorative programmes were handed out for free to fans.

Linda Lawson, Bill's daughter, said: "As a family, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of so many people who dad reached in some way and we are keen to make the event a celebration of dad's life and the things that he loved.

"We also want to make it as accessible as possible so we thought an evening event at Murrayfield, which dad regarded as his second home, would work well.

IN DEPTH

The event also featured tributes from a Welsh male voice choir, Lothian and Borders Police pipe band and the Dollar Academy pipe band.

Andy Irvine, former Scotland and British and Irish Lions full-back, also took part in the evening. Commenting before it began, he said: "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."