Calcutta Cup winning captain and scrum half, Mike Blair, collected the award for Scotland’s player of the season at the 2008 Scottish Rugby Awards held at Murrayfield Stadium. The award was part of a double for Blair who also captured the Magners League player of the season prize, while his Edinburgh and Scotland team-mate, hooker Ross Ford, won the award for Try of the Season with his glorious score against Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield.Calcutta Cup winning captain and scrum half, Mike Blair, collected the award for Scotland’s player of the season at the 2008 Scottish Rugby Awards held at Murrayfield Stadium tonight(Friday 25 May). The award was part of a double for Blair who also captured the Magners League player of the season prize, while his Edinburgh and Scotland team-mate, hooker Ross Ford, won the award for Try of the Season with his glorious score against Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield. BBC’s Hazel Irvine hosted the event that saw almost 400 guests celebrate playing and coaching achievements at all levels of the game in Scotland. Mike Blair, said: It’s been a fantastic year for me. I always say that it’s an honour to play for Scotland but to captain Scotland in this season’s Six Nations was a dream come true. To win both the Magners and Scotland player of the season in the same year just caps off an excellent season for me. Award winners: Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Division One player of the season Angus Martyn – Boroughmuir RFC As well as being a consistent performer in Boroughmuir’s 2007-08 premiership winning side, Gus has been a stalwart of the Club International side, since its inception three years ago. He also scored a try against Wales in this year’s fixture. Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Division Two player of the season Fraser Harkness – Selkirk RFC Fraser has been outstanding for his club both in 15s and 7s. He has been pivotal in helping his side secure promotion to the top flight of Scottish Rugby, Premiership One and in winning the Border League and the Kings of Sevens title. Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Division Three player of the season Craig Wilson – Kirkcaldy RFC Craig has consistently been awarded man of the match throughout the season. He was also the only player from Premiership Three to be included in the training squad for the Club International side. Scottish Hydro Electric National Division One player of the season Gareth McCrorie – Garnock RFC Gareth McCrorie helped his side to victory in the Scottish Hydro Electric Shield Final. He also scored the winning try in the semi-final against Ardrossan to ensure the side’s visit to Murrayfield. Gareth’s twin brother Paul also won the award last year. Scottish Hydro Electric National Division Two player of the season Patrick Boyer – Highland RFC At only 17 years of age, Paddy has shown a great level of maturity to adapt quickly to senior rugby. He has worked his way up through the junior ranks and his success this season can only be attributed to his high level of dedication to training and personal improvement. Scottish Hydro Electric National Division Three player of the season Keith Hunter – WhiteCrags RFC Keith has been the most reliable player this season for his club and boasts an exemplary disciplinary record. He has been an inspiration and sets a high standard for many of the younger players. Scottish Hydro Electric East Region player of the season Brian Wear – Hawick Linden (not present, Gary Alexander collecting on behalf) Experience and natural ability have allowed Brian to guide his side through some tight-times at the club. Brian was in the Premiership One winning Hawick side back in 2001/02 and continues to perform at a high standard in the regional leagues. Scottish Hydro Electric West Region player of the season Davy Bell – Clydebank Davy has been an integral part of Clydebank RFC both in a playing and coaching role. A pugnacious finisher on the wing, Davy also shares his rich enthusiasm for the game by coaching the club’s thriving mini rugby section. Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia Region player of the season Dougie Woodrow – Atholl Highlanders The encouragement that Dougie has shown to the younger players in the team emphasises his commitment to high standards of rugby. He is a fine ambassador for his club and regional rugby, both on and off the pitch. Women’s Club player of the season Lisa Martin – Murrayfield Wanderers Lisa’s dedication to training alongside natural abilities has made her a formidable force in women’s rugby. She captained the Scotland U18 team this year and has trained with other representative squads. Scottish Hydro Electric Youth Coach of the Season Graham Marshall – Selkirk High School & YC For 15 years Graham has been nurturing talent in Selkirk. During his time at Selkirk Youth Club he took the team to three successive Youth League Cup finals, winning the title in 2003. Selkirk’s promotion to Premiership One this season is testament to Graham’s coaching abilities, as 15 of his prot?g?s were involved in the squad. Scottish Hydro Electric Coach of the Season Eamon John – Boroughmuir RFC In two seasons Eamon has taken a team from the verge of relegation to runaway winners of Premiership One. His side secured top spot in the league back in January with victory over Ayr. He has also been heavily involved with the Scotland U20s programme. Scottish Hydro Electric Referee of the Year Peter Allan – Watsonians RFC Peter refereed both the quarter and semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup this season in addition to a number of Heineken Cup and Magners League appearances. His fitness and consistency have been acknowledged by all and sundry and this summer he will be on international duty, officiating at the Pacific Cup in Tonga. He’s also due to be a father any time soon. Scottish Hydro Electric SVQ of the Year Andrew Simpson – Clackmannanshire Council Andrew has worked alongside Scottish Rugby and the local council to promote youth rugby in Clackmannanshire. Amongst many of his notable achievements are programmes for children with autism and behavioural problems, which he designed and implemented himself. Club International player of the season -Belhaven- Marc Teague – Heriot’s Blistering pace and lethal finishing define Marc’s contribution to the Club International side. His 100% scoring record involved three tries in two games for the side this season, adding to the try which he scored on his debut last season. The Spirit of Rugby Award -Famous Grouse- Graeme Cunningham – Trinity Academicals Graeme Lumpy Cunningham has organised Trinity Academicals second tier sides for 24 years. On many occasions he has held the teams together being manager, coach, kit man, first aider and touch judge all rolled into one. He turns 65 tonight and will step down from his post to embrace a new leisure-driven lifestyle. Scotland U17 player of the season Grant Runciman-Melrose Wasps Grant represented Scotland U17 in all 5 of their fixtures including the three internationals against Wales, Portugal and France, at the Millfield festival in April. He was also the youngest player to be included in the Borders U18 squad at the age of 16. Under the guidance of club coach, Jim Telfer, Grant has honed the excellent ball carrying skills and brutal defence that characterize his game. Scotland U18 player of the season -Martin Currie- Robert Harley – West of Scotland Coming back from a severe ankle break suffered during the final game of last year’s U17 Development Programme, Robert has been one of the most influential players in the U18 six nations tournament. He started and finished in every game of the campaign and has shown excellent leadership and communication skills throughout. His tackle success rate of 94% underlines his contribution on the field. Scotland U19 player of the season Peter Jerecevich – GHA Peter has also suffered an injury plagued season but his professional approach throughout the U19 programme has set high standards for others to follow. On the pitch, he has performed outstandingly, snatching two tries in Scotland U19’s comprehensive victory over Italy back in February. Scotland U20 player of the season -Greaves Sport- Stevie McColl – Dunfermline Stevie has proven himself an all round talent with attacking finesse, rock steady defence and impressive kicking abilities. His stature within the team is such that he is always the one they turn to in times of difficulty. He previously won the Scotland U18 Player of the Season Award back in 2006. Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Season Alex McQuade (President) – Falkirk RFC Falkirk have been promoted as champions for the last five years in succession, an unprecedented achievement. This season they marked the milestone with comprehensive victory in national one gaining promotion to the Premier Leagues. Falkirk also won Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month in December 2007, midway through a remarkable season. Magners League player of the season -Magners- Mike Blair – Edinburgh Rugby Players and coaches alike recognise the winner of this award as a world-class scrum-half. It’s hard to recollect when Mike Blair last played a bad game for any team. His consistently high standards in attack and defence are a tribute to his application and desire to succeed. Try of the Season -Apex Hotels- Ross Ford – Edinburgh Rugby The try contributed to Edinburgh’s epic home win against Leicester in the Heineken Cup group match. Ross Ford capitalised on a devastating counterattack that saw Edinburgh move the ball from near their own goal line and touch down in the right hand corner. A shuddering tackle by open side Ross Rennie allowed Allister Hogg to collect the spilled ball. Under pressure number eight Hogg fly hacked the ball forward and it was gathered by centre Nick De Luca. Edinburgh marauded down the park, offloading wonderfully against the disjointed Leicester defence. Wing Ben Cairns was stopped just short of the line but hooker Ford was on hand to bundle over the line for a magnificent score. Scotland Women’s player of the season -Martin Currie- Heather Lockhart (not present being collected by Lana Blyth on behalf) Heather is a hugely respected member of the national team. Her work rate and dedication is second to none and she has been named Player of the Match in two international fixtures this season. Her opening try against England in this year’s Six Nation’s tournament was also short listed for the try of the season award. Scotland 7s player of the season -Murray International- Chris Fusaro – Heriot’s &Junior Academy Chris has thrived on the challenges of playing top International sides. His work-rate, enthusiasm and attitude are second to none and he is a player, that despite his age and lack of experience, team mates look to for inspiration during matches. Scotland player of the season -Murray International- Mike Blair – Edinburgh Rugby Lifting the Calcutta Cup, after a match-winning performance, at Murrayfield represented the fantastic contribution Mike has made to Scottish Rugby. Mike became Scotland’s 108th captain after he took over from the injured Jason White a week prior to the triumph over England, against Ireland at Croke Park.