Mr Colin Mair, former Rector of HSOG from 2004-2015, will be one of more than 50 former rugby players to be awarded retrospective international caps from Scottish Rugby. 

The announcement came from Scottish Rugby on 15^th August 2023, who said the caps are being presented to individuals who represented their country in matches that, at the time, did not carry Test cap status. They will be awarded during Scotland’s home matches in next year’s Six Nations.

Colin represented Scotland in the Japan v Scotland match on 18^th September 1977 in Tokyo (pictured above), where Scotland triumphed with a 74-9 win. He played the position of fullback, with his mighty boot contributing 30 points that day, resulting in a Guinness Book of Records for the most points scored by an individual in a Rugby Union international match. He held the record for several years, but it has since been broken by a few individuals, including by Gavin Hastings twice in 1995! 

Commenting, Colin said: “Like many youngsters, I grew up desperately keen to represent Scotland and even 46 years later, it’s still a great thrill to receive an international cap. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who encouraged me over the years – my parents, big sister, coaches and fellow players, and of course the High School Governors who were kind enough to allow me three weeks leave of absence back in September 1977.”

Colin was Captain of West of Scotland FC, from 1979 to 1982. Not only a star on the rugby pitch, he represented Scotland B and West District/Glasgow in both rugby and cricket. At present, he is currently a Trustee of the Cricket Development Trust (Scotland) as well as Chairman of the West of Scotland Cricket Club, the latter being a position he has held since 2016. 

In addition to Colin, another member of the High School community is being recognised by Scottish Rugby. Class of 1936 former pupil, Captain John B McNeil, will also be honoured with an international cap for his participation in the Services Rugby match which saw Scotland defeat England 8-5 on 11th April 1942 at Wembley. Sadly, John passed away in January 2009 at the age of 91, however Scottish Rugby has announced plans to conduct a cap presentation for those from the Services and Victory international matches in tandem with their annual poignant Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial at Murrayfield. Relatives will be invited to accept the caps on their loved ones’ behalf. 

It seems fitting that given this year marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Scottish Rugby Union, the organisation will be recognising the rich and enduring contribution these players have made to rugby. 

A huge congratulations to Mr Mair and Captain McNeil on their incredible accolades and fantastic to see them being recognised in this way!