George Herd, who has died aged 88, was a well-known footballer capped by Scotland at various levels: amateur, under-23, Scottish League and the full international side-during a long career here and in England.
Niall Crossan, who has died aged 88, was one of Scotland’s finest amateur international footballers in an era when the amateur game had a much higher profile than today.
Bob Valentine, who has died aged 83, was a “Teri”, a born-and-bred Hawick man. He was proud to have represented his hometown rugby team with distinction in the early 1960s before enjoying a successful career in professional Rugby League with Huddersfield, Wakefield Trinity and Keighley.
Donald Scott, who has died aged 96, was one of Scotland’s oldest surviving rugby internationalists with the distinction of having played in the earliest international when making his debut in February 1950 against Ireland. A stylish three-quarter who tackled well and had a classic sidestep, he was also a gifted 7s player. According to one article “he could be positively brilliant on his day.”
Bob Aitken, who has died aged 89, was a champion Highland Games athlete who achieved the remarkable feat of winning the prestigious Chieftain’s Challenge Cup at Aboyne Games nine times consecutively between 1960 and 1968. It was awarded to the athlete gaining most points in combined “light” and “heavy” events, in effect the best all-rounder.
Margot Christie, who has died aged 98, was a popular teacher at Stewart’s Melville College in Edinburgh and a groundbreaking boys rugby coach when women’s involvement in the sport was virtually unknown. One of her star pupils was Dougie Morgan of Scotland and British Lions fame.
David Webster, who has died aged 95, was a major figure in strength athletics and Highland Games and successfully promoted the sports worldwide.
Jack Dun, who has died aged 97, was a Melrose rugby man through and through, one who made an outstanding contribution not only to his beloved club but also to the game in Scotland.
Charlie Allan, who has died aged 84, contributed the popular Farmer’s Diary column to The Herald for 20 years.
