Scottish Rugby Remembers The Fallen

Chris Paterson, Edinburgh and Scotland’s most-capped player, today led Scottish Rugby’s tribute to those who have died in the service of their country. Paterson was joined by fellow internationalists, his Edinburgh team-mate, Ben Cairns, prop Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) and Scotland Women’s lock Kath Muir and flanker Charlotte Lewis for the short ceremony at the war memorial at Murrayfield Stadium to mark armistice.    Other members of Scottish Rugby staff, including professional players from Edinburgh Rugby, before their flight south for Heineken Cup duty, and modern apprentices, members of the Armed Forces (both serving and retired) and local residents also observed the two minutes’ silence to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts around the world. In the First World War some 30 Scotland internationalists were slain – the heaviest losses of any major rugby playing nation. Paterson, Low, Cairns and Muir laid wreaths on behalf of Scottish Rugby at the war memorial while the lament, Flowers of the Forrest, was played by Scotland under-18 wing and Edinburgh Elite Development Player, Jamie Farndale. Scotland team manager Dougie Potter, who gave a valedictory address, said: “As this memorial commemorates, Scottish Rugby lost countless players and administrators in the two world wars. “Now, thankfully, most of us have no personal experience of war or the loss of family and friends in conflict, but we should remember that since the end of World War II there is only one year, 1963, when a British serviceman has not died in combat. “Many Scots have been killed in action in that time and many are serving today in Afghanistan and other operational theatres. “It is for these reasons that this day, these moments are so special – to remember all connected with Scottish Rugby who have served their country and, in particular, those who have been killed or injured in war.”