1948 - present
History 3 of 3

3. 1948 - present


In 1948, L. R. Currie was chosen to play for Scotland, the first of his eight caps.
In 1949, the Club was again playing in blue and white colours and three XV's were being fielded.
In 1952, J. Greenwood was selected to play wing forward against France, his first of twenty caps. He was later to Captain Scotland and play with the British Lions in South Africa, scoring a try in the first Test.
In season 1961-62, another name was added to our tally on internationalists when R. J. C. Glasgow was selected to play against France. He played in all four of the season's international matches and scored a try against Wales at Cardiff, a game which Scotland won.
In 1963-64, Ron Glasgow was appointed Captain and was congratulated on receiving further caps, for scoring a try against England and for his part, as a member of a World XV, along with one other Scot, in the jubilee celebrations organised by the South African Union.
During the season 1967-68, discussions took place concerning ground and pavilion development. Ground extension included the possibility of a layout of approximately seven acres and new pitches. Negotiations concerning the purchase of ground adjoining McKane Park were completed, with more detailed discussions regarding the financial aspect. The McKane Park Trustees clarified the provisions of the lease and indicated that they would consider further the matter of the new Sports Club. Continuing discussions regarding ground and pavilion development resulted in an application being made to the Scottish Rugby Union for a loan of £8,000. Moves to establish a Sports Club continued. Members of the Rugby Club guaranteed £3,000 for the pavilion project. The McKane Park Trustees granted a lease of the ground to the Cricket and Rugby Clubs and thence to the Sports Club.
It was finally decided that the inaugural meeting of the new Sports Club should be held in October and that Mr. E. Munro, Rugby Club President, be nominated for the first Presidency of the Sports Club. The total cost of altering and extending existing premises came to £25,831.
The new Clubhouse was officially opened by Provost John Crawford and to mark the setting-up of the Sports Club, an International XV captained by the Scottish Cap, Ian Robertson, met the Club side which, although defeated, performed most creditably.
At the 1972 Scottish Rugby Union Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that competitive rugby be introduced in season 1973-74. The Club agreed to participate and was placed in Division 2. In preparation for the participation in the League system, a pool of 1st XV players was established. A. W. Wilson was elected President of the Scottish Rugby Union in the Scottish Rugby Union's centenary year. On the playing side, the Club finished ninth in the final unofficial championship and won the Midland and Kirkcaldy Sevens.
In 1974, the Club had an excellent season. The 1st XV, in the first season of leagues, won promotion to the 1st Division and were the only side to defeat Kelso, winners of the 2nd Division championship. The Midlands Sevens at McKane Park were successful financially and the Club retained the Cup. The Club also won the Kirkcaldy Sevens.
In 1975, disappointingly the Club was relegated from the 1st Division, after only one season, and more disappointment came in season 1977-78, when it was relegated to the 3rd Division.
In 1983-84, a young and enthusiastic side, with attendance at training much improved, gained what the Club had striven for over many seasons, promotion to Division 2.
Season 1984-85 proved, particularly as far as the 1st XV was concerned, most successful. Not only did they consolidate their position in Division 2 of the National Leagues, but they also came very near to achieving promotion to Division 1, finishing third after Kilmarnock and Preston Lodge.
During season 1985-86, the Club continued midi-rugby and Under-18 rugby and with mini-rugby flourishing, there had now been established a continuity which enabled boys to maintain an association with the Club from the age of eight.