Tag: Scott Hastings

The Watsonian Football Club’s 150th anniversary celebrated with memorial plaque

On Thursday, 30th January 2025, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at 50 Yeaman Place, near the site where The Watsonian Football Club’s rich history began with its very first game.

On 30th January 1875, The Watsonian Football Club played its inaugural game of rugby union against St George’s at Bainfield, a farm then located at Yeaman Place in Polwarth, Edinburgh. While the game ended in a draw, it laid the foundation for a club that has since achieved remarkable success. Over 150 years, Watsonians has consistently competed at the pinnacle of Scottish rugby, producing national team players across all levels.

The unveiling captured the Watsonians spirit and the community that the club has created over the last 150 years with many members in attendance including: Honorary President, 96-year-old Dennis Carmichael, Men’s 1XV Captain, Neil Irvine-Hess, Women’s 1XV Co-Captain, Freya Walker, Watsonians highest capped international player, Scottish and British & Irish Lions legend, Scott Hastings and two of the youngest members of the Watsonian Warriors and Watsonian Wildcats mini section, Alexander Wright and Amelia Boyle. 

Scott Hastings shared his thoughts on the plaque unveiling and The Watsonian Football Club’s 150th year: “Today was a truly special occasion, standing near the very spot where The Watsonian Football Club played its first game 150 years ago.

“It’s incredible to reflect on how far the club has come, from that first match to becoming such a cornerstone of Scottish rugby. Seeing members of all generations come together – young players, lifelong supporters, and legends of the game – was a really great moment. This plaque is a fitting tribute to our history.”

The unveiling of the plaque marks the start of The Watsonian Football Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations, with further events taking place throughout the year including a gala dinner on 21st November 2025 at the O2 Academy with Sir Ian McGeechan and Sir Chris Hoy as guests of honour.

The club has also released a maroon and white limited-edition jersey to mark the important milestone which features its unique crest and the words, ‘ex corde caritas’, the Latin motto which means “love from the heart”.

Additionally, this year will see the club publishing a 150-year history of Watsonians book in partnership with Peter Burns of Polaris Publishing.

Alistair Hamilton, General Manager at The Watsonian Football Club commented: “The unveiling of the commemorative plaque at Yeaman Place is a proud moment for everyone connected to The Watsonian Football Club.

“It marks the site where our journey began in 1875 and celebrates 150 years of history, tradition, and community. This milestone is not just about looking back but also about bringing together players, members, and supporters – past and present – throughout the year.

“With a host of exciting events planned, including our gala dinner and the release of a commemorative book, we look forward to celebrating the history and bright future of Watsonians.”

2025 is another important chapter in the 150-year history of The Watsonian Football Club. To find out more about The Watsonian Football Club please visit: 

watsoniansrugby.com 

Charity rugby match raises £8,000

Lothian & Borders Police rugby team played a special match yesterday against a Scotland legends team to raise money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Money from tickets sales and from a variety of fundraising activities on the day raised over £8,000.

Scotland legend Scott Hastings gets to grips an opponent. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

The match was arranged in arranged in remembrance of former officer Steve Cully, who died aged 41, due to a heart defect and his wife Rosie, who has already raised in excess of £20,000 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, gave a moving speach about her late husband. Both of Steve’s kids, Josh (4) and Hannah (7) were at the match and they have the task of kicking the match off.

Ballons were set off into the sky before kick off. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Around 2,100 spectators turned up despite the rain to watch the match and got behind both teams.

Corries legend Ronnie Brown performed the National Anthem prior to kick off. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Prior to kick off Corries legend Ronnie Brown performed the National Anthem supported by the Police Pipe Band.

Corries legend to perform in North Edinburgh

Corries legend Ronnie Brown will be performing live this Sunday at a charity Rugby match at Fettes Police Station.

Police officers are set to line up against a team of Scottish rugby legends in a charity match arranged in remembrance of former officer Steve Cully, who died aged 41, due to a heart defect. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the charity Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Officers from Lothian and Borders Police will take on a team of ex-internationals, including Scott Hastings, Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong, and Gregor Townsend.

Steve, who was brought up in Belfast, was a keen rugby player who played club rugby at Murrayfield RFC, Edinburgh Wanderers RFC, Murrayfield Wanderers, Stewarts Melville FP, Edinburgh Academicals and represented Ireland U 21’s, Irish Exiles and the British Police.

Steve joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1994 and worked in a number of roles before fulfilling his ambition to become a firearms officer.

He called time on his rugby career in 2005, but took up long-distance running, and in 2009 he was part of a team of Lothian and Borders officers who took part in the gruelling ‘Marathon des Sables’, a series of marathons taking place over a week in the Sahara Desert, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

His love for rugby and charitable nature inspired his colleagues to organise Sunday’s match, which will be attended by his wife Rosie (39) and two children Josh (4) and Hannah (7).

Ronnnie Brown wil lsing the National Anthem prior to kick off.

Sergeant Roddy Bainton is among the former friends and colleagues who have helped organise the event.

He said: “Not only will spectators be given the unique opportunity to see legends from the game in action once again, but there will be a whole range of family-friendly events, including a balloon race, prize draw, bouncy castle, an inflatable assault course courtesy of the Army, and kids’ rugby coaching, involving many of the former pros.

“We are delighted that Ronnie Browne from the Corries has agreed to sing the national anthem before the game, and The Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band will also be there to help provide the soundtrack for the day.

“I would encourage any rugby fans and their families to come along and join us for what is sure to be a great day, and help us raise money for a worthy cause.”

The match takes place at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets for the game cost £5, with free admission for under-16s.

And just incase you have forgotten the words we have included a video for you.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from:

First XV, 6/8 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5JZ
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, Head Office, Third Floor, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
Or
Email: stevecullymemorial@hotmail.co.uk