Roy Laidlaw helps Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation

Laidlaw, 67, was joined by his brother David and sister-in law Lorna, the mum and dad of fellow Scotland captain, Greig Laidlaw, at – where else? – Riverside Park, Jedburgh, when a cheque for more than £3,000 was presented to the Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation.

The Foundation was set up in 1971 as a charity to help players in Scotland who were enduring tough times, often because injuries sustained on the field meant they could not work.

The charity has always had special resonance at Jed-Forest as seriously injured players of the past, John Cairncross and Eddie Renwick, received long-term assistance.

Roy’s wife, Joy, died last May.

“We discussed what to do with any monies that we raised in Joy’s memory and she came up with supporting the Foundation.

“She was adamant that she wanted to help rugby because it had been such a part of her life.

“Our son, Scott, got help from the Foundation when he was injured and she knew how much support had been given to Eddie Renwick,” Roy explained.

The Foundation also undertakes pastoral support for players and their families.

Laidlaw won 47 caps for Scotland between 1980 and 1988 and played in four Test matches for the British & Irish Lions on their 1983 tour of New Zealand.

He has been affected by dementia for the last three years but with support from his family and friends – including former Scotland caps John Rutherford, Gary Callander, Finlay Calder and Keith Robertson – he remains in good spirits.

“I’ve got a wee job at Jedburgh Golf Club and that gets me out the house and I have the odd game of the golf with the boys too,” he added.

Alistair Forsyth, the Borders representative on the Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation, said: “We are most grateful to Roy and his family for this very generous donation.

“Times are tough for many charities just now and it’s really appreciated that one of Scottish Rugby’s favourite sons has helped us to continue to help our own.”