Ian Barr is Scottish Rugby’s new president

Barr becomes the first President to be elected from Lasswade Rugby Club.

He said: “It’s an absolutely great honour. I feel proud for my family and for Lasswade. I’m very humbled by the appointment and also very excited.

“I never expected to be captain of any of my teams where I played; I never really expected to be President at Lasswade – there was never really any desire or ambition to become President at the club, it just happened!” he said.

He was first elected to the Scottish Rugby Council in 2012 and, on his first stint, served for five years, including a period on the Scottish Rugby Board.

In 2018 he was elected as vice-president and this year he steps up to succeed Dee Bradbury as President.

In addition to seeking to bolster playing numbers, Barr believes that rugby will face challenges in the season ahead.

“We’ve really got to make sure we can work our way through the continuing challenges surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’d call on clubs not to be selfish about their expectations for the coming season. We must continue to put the safety of our players, volunteers and their families first, continue to adhere to government guidance and not over concentrate on teams competing on a pitch on a Saturday or Sunday,” he said.

On his first stint on the Scottish Rugby Council, Barr served as ambassador to the national under-20 team, which nurtured such talent as Darcy Graham, Adam Hastings, the Fagerson brothers Zander and Matt, Jamie Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury.

He was also proud Lasswade was the home venue for the Scotland Women’s team in the early 2010s.

In addition to playing for Lasswade from his days in mini rugby, he also appeared for Musselburgh, Selkirk, the East of Scotland College of Agriculture, Oatridge College and Southside Police.

In addition to Ian Barr’s ratification as Scottish Rugby President other business concluded in the online AGM included the election of Vice-President which was won by Colin Rigby (Stewart’s-Melville).

He received 112 votes to the 97 registered for the other candidate, Keith Wallace (Haddington).

The meeting also elected Malcolm Offord (London Scottish) as Scottish Exiles representative, confirmed Gerry Tosh (Dundee HSFP) as National 1 representative, Eric Hugh (GHK) as National 2 representative and Bobby Frazer (Murrayfield Wanderers) as National 3 representative, plus Jim O’Neill (Irvine) as Glasgow South regional representative, all on the Scottish Rugby Council. In addition Royal High Rugby’s admission to full membership of the Union was approved.

Part 2 of the AGM will take place once further easing of coronavirus restrictions on the size of gatherings is introduced by the Scottish Government.