The 32-year-old is set to retire from playing with Glasgow Warriors and move into the position on a full-time basis, effective from January 2022.

Horne replaces former Warriors teammate and friend Pat McArthur, who led the Bulls to lift the inaugural FOSROC Super6 trophy earlier this year.

Horne was successful in applying for head coach in March 2021. To allow him to finish his playing career, MacArthur took on the role with the understanding that Horne would take over in January 2022.

Despite stepping back from the role MacArthur will remain involved with his boyhood club going forward.

Peter Horne is a well-known face among Scottish Rugby. Since making his Warriors debut in 2009 he has enjoyed a 12-year career at the top level, amassing 45 Scotland caps in the process. He joined the Ayrshire Bulls coaching set-up last year and was heavily involved in the recent Super6 success.

He said: “Having spent many years playing under some of the very best coaches in the game, I have been inspired to follow in their footsteps and make the move into coaching myself.

“I know I’m so very lucky to have experienced all that I have, and to have done so playing alongside my childhood best friend and my little brother has been a dream come true. I have relished every moment of my 13 years and look back on it with only the happiest of memories and great pride.

“Thank you to all who have supported me on my journey so far – I will forever be grateful to each and every one of you. Here’s to the next chapter!”

Speaking of the appointment, Ayr Rugby President Stewart Kerr said the following: “We are delighted to see Peter move into the head coaching role with the bulls after impressing over the past year under Pat MacArthur.

“He brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience with him and we are positive for what the future has in store. Be it Ayr or the Bulls we have built a reputation on success, and I have no doubt that more will follow in the coming seasons.

“It would be remiss of me not to pass on my overwhelming thanks to Pat in all that he has done for Ayrshire rugby. In his season in charge, he’s put the Bulls ahead of the chasing pack, setting the benchmark for others to strive for”.

Horne becomes the third person to take the reins at Ayrshire Bulls, with maiden coach Peter Murchie now at the Glasgow Warriors, highlighting that bridging the gap between club and professional rugby isn’t reserved solely for players.