Sir Ewen Fergusson

Scottish Rugby is saddened to learn of the death of former Scotland internationalist Sir Ewen Alastair John Fergusson who passed away on Thursday 20 April 2017 aged 84.Ewen was capped five times for Scotland in 1954 at second-row forward – standing at 6ft 6in tall – having played at Rugby and Oriel College, Oxford, where he studied before going on to become a public servant.After National Service in the 60th Rifles, Ewen joined the Foreign Office in 1956 and went on to become the appointed counsellor and head of chancery in the British representation at the European Community in Brussels in 1972.Ewen’s work as a public servant saw him live in Pretoria before he moved to Paris in 1987 to conclude his career as Ambassador to France.After retiring in 1992, he kept busy and took on several important jobs and commitments including the Chairman of Coutts & Co from 1993 to 1999 and of the Savoy Hotel from 1995 to 1998.He was also chairman of the governors of Rugby School (1995-2002) and of the Henry Moore Foundation (2001-7), as well as being a trustee of the National Gallery for seven years (1995-2002).Ewen was a well-liked and respected character renowned for his charm and dedication to public service.Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Sara, son Ewen and daughters Anna and Iona, and all of Ewen’s family and friends.