Gordon Baxter Masson was first elected to the Scottish Rugby Union General Committee in 1973-74 as North District representative.

He became a Special Representative in 1982-83 and became the Union’s 105^th President in season 1991-92.

A proud Gordonian – he was a scrum-half in his playing days – Masson was a senior partner at Burnett and Reid solicitors in Aberdeen.

He managed the Scotland tour to North America in 1985, which included such Scotland and British & Irish Lions players as Peter Dods, Gavin Hastings, Alan Tait, John Jeffrey, Iain Paxton and Kenny Milne.

Masson, who had been a pilot officer attached to the education department of the RAF, became secretary of the North District Rugby Union in 1969 and continued his devotion to the game.

He died in hospital on 1 April.

Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Gordon Masson’s funeral service will be held, at Aberdeen Crematorium (East Chapel), Hazlehead, Aberdeen AB15 8PT, this Friday, (April 14), at 11.30am.