Easson, former Director of Rugby at Edinburgh Accies, has always subscribed to the notion that he coaches people, rather than the specific sport and in his roles with sportscotland in recent years, Scotland’s Commonwealth Games boxers have been among the athletes to benefit from his guidance.

Educated at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar, Howe of Fife was where Easson began his adult rugby journey, along with Jordanhill College where he trained as a PE teacher.

Easson, 77, first attended a rugby coaching course in 1970 and over the next half century – whether coaching North & Midlands, Edinburgh in the opening salvoes of professionalism, Scotland age-grade sides, managing the Institute of Sport’s rugby programme, or fulfilling multiple roles on and off the field at Edinburgh Accies – his influence in nurturing talent and fostering a love for the game has been immense.

Scottish Rugby President, Colin Rigby, said: “Time in Bob’s company is always time well spent. Bob is the ultimate ‘people person’, whose passion for rugby and the manner in which he imparts his knowledge, is infectious, good-humoured and modest.

“I am delighted to learn of his recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours List.”

Bob Easson said: “For me, no matter whether at school, club, age-grade, district or the professional level, coaching has always been about being part of the rugby community.

“My philosophy of coaching is it’s not really coaching, the sport, whether that’s rugby, basketball or bull-fighting.  You are coaching people and to play a part in making people better is immensely satisfying.”