Grierson was one of seven referees from the Hawick club who have taken charge of international rugby matches.

A diminutive and charismatic figure, his debut was the Ireland v South Africa match in 1970 and he was in charge subsequently of France v England in 1972, Wales v Ireland in 1973 and England v France in 1975.

A member of the Hawick and Wilton cricket club, Grierson was the 80^th President of the Scottish Cricket Union, serving in 1997, having undertaken the role of President of Hawick Rugby Club in both the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. He also was one of the club representatives on Scottish Rugby’s Championship Committee for more than a decade.

At 5ft 4ins, Grierson, a scrum-half, who started at the Hawick PSA club, made his debut for the Greens in the 1951-52 season and also represented Hawick Trades and Hawick Linden before a cartilage injury compelled him to retire in 1957.

Almost immediately he took up refereeing and continued a lifetime of service to the game.

Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Eric Grierson’s family and many friends.

Eric’s funeral will take place at Borders Crematorium, next to Wairds Cemetery, Melrose TD6 9HA on Wednesday 24 January at 1pm.