IT was fitting that mourners were offered the chance to enjoy a Hawick Ball before entering Teviot Church on Monday for the funeral of Bill McLaren.
Handed out by his grandchildren, the hard-boiled mint sweet had launched many lasting friendships among the rugby fraternity during his 50-year career as a commentator.
And those friendships were never more evident than on Monday morning as 650 pe
ople took their place inside the church and many hundreds more stood outside.
With the strains of 'Highland Cathedral' echoing from the pipes of Cammy Renwick, Bill's coffin was carried into the church by Hawick Rugby Club players Colin Murray, Kevin Reid, Neil Renwick, Michael Graham, Ross Gibson and Keith Davies, while Craig Charters, Graham Hogg, Ali Weir and Gary Lowrie followed closely behind, all resplendent in their green blazers.
The service was taken by Reverend Neil Combe, who spoke of Bill as a neighbour for 25 years and a "private man".
Gregor Lawson, Bill's grandson, gave the tribute from the family and admitted they had been "blown away" by the tributes since his passing last Tuesday.
Crowds came out in force for the funeral of Bill McLaren on Monday. Photograph: Phil Wilkinson
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