Dinner to celebrate spirit of the South

A DINNER celebrating the proud history of the South of Scotland rugby team is to be hosted by the Bill McLaren Foundation at the Cardrona Hotel on 24 June.

A casualty of the professional era, the South of Scotland side was recently resurrected, stirring memories of some legendary matches against international touring opposition, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.

The evening will focus on five decades of the side's history, and South players who have played against touring teams over the last 50 years have been invited. Those who have already confirmed their attendance include John Jeffrey, John Rutherford, Norman Suddon, Peter Dods and Alistair Cranston.

The dinner will be chaired by former Hawick and Scotland stalwart Ian Barnes and will feature former England and Barbarians centre John Spencer as a guest speaker, with further entertainment provided by Ross High RFC president Scott Glynn.

Former South player and foundation director Brian Renwick, said: "We don't celebrate the traditions of teams like the South of Scotland enough.

"The history is rich and over the five decades being covered at the event there are some great results against the top nations in the world.

"It will be a superb opportunity to see everyone mixing together at an event in aid of the foundation."

Tickets for the event, which are priced at 50 per person and include a three-course dinner and drinks reception, can be purchased via the Bill McLaren Foundation website www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk/south-reunion-dinner.