FORMER Scotland and British and Irish Lions full-back Ken Scotland has died at the age of 86, the Scottish Rugby Union has confirmed.
Scotland, who also represented his country at cricket, made his international rugby union debut in the 1957 Five Nations Championship against France.
He went on to make 27 appearances over the next eight years, and also played for Leicester Tigers, who named him in their "Team of the Century" in 1999.
Scottish Rugby said it was “immensely saddened” by Scotland’s death, describing him as “a player ahead of his time, a true trailblazer.”
Scotland great Andy Irvine added: “Ken was undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever to grace the rugby field and was one of the nicest chaps you could ever meet.”
Scotland was inducted into Scottish Rugby’s Hall of Fame when it was inaugurated in 2010.
Fellow inductee Chris Paterson said : “I never saw Ken play but I was well aware of his ability and influence, not only on what he achieved on the playing field, but by steering the very future of the game.
“He was absolutely a pioneer. I really enjoyed any opportunity we had to speak and I would be in awe of his sharp, analytical mind and his opinions on the modern game.
“Ken was a true gent who inspired and helped me in equal measure.”
