In our house, first through the radio in the late fifties and then on TV from the sixties onwards, a five [now six] nations Saturday afternoon was a special winter event. The curtains would be closed fifteen minutes before kick off, my brother David and I would settle down with Dad to watch the game and listen to Bill McLaren's rich Scottish Border burr describe the action as only he could. His great secret was, although meticulously prepared and completely professional, he seemed so relaxed and anecdotal he could have been sitting in your living room watching the game with you. He also had that magical turn of phrase that could only come from a deep knowledge and love of rugby. It was his great natural talent to find the phrase you wished you had thought of.
He never ctiticized a ref, resisted big money offers from other broadcasters,staying loyal to the BBC all his working life. He never pontificated on tactics like some of today's big commentating names who could learn more than a thing or two from Bill. He loved his family, his rugby, his golf and the Scottish Borders....what more needs to be said!
There will be no dancing in the streets of Hawick this week, but many a smile will cross folks' faces in memory of the fair and proud Scot with a life so well lived. We were lucky to share it a little. Here a few of Bill's great quotes,
On David Duckham: "He could sidestep three men in a telephone box"
On Jonah Lomu: " I'm no hod carrier, but I'd be laying bricks if he was running at me"
On Scott Quinnell: "There goes 18 stones of prime Welsh beef on the hoof."
On the All Blacks: "They look like great prophets of doom today"
On Simon Geoghahan: "He's all arms and legs like some mad rampaging octopus"
On Scott Gibbs: " When he hits you, you think the roof just fell in"
and finally my favourite..........
" He's a slippery as a baggie up a Borders burn"
No more trout will slip by you now, Bill McLaren. Rest in Peace. I will raise a glass to you tonight.
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