Published: Thursday, 21st January, 2010 10:47am

Tributes continue to flow in for 'number one commentator in the world'

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TRIBUTES will be paid to The Voice of Rugby at grounds across the Borders this weekend.

Bill McLaren, the veteran BBC commentator, passed away after a long illness in his hometown of Hawick on Tuesday - aged 86.

His family has confirmed his funeral will take place at Teviot Church in the town's Buccleuch Road on Monday (January 25) at 9.30am.

And every club in the Borders is expected to be represented at the service.

However, the Scottish Rugby Union confirmed it has already been inundated with messages of sympathy for the former PE teacher and revealed his family have taken tremendous comfort and wished to thank the public for the outpouring of tributes.

A minute's applause will be held in memory of McLaren before Hawick play Biggar in Scottish Hydro Premier Division 2 at Mansfield Park tomorrow (Saturday), as well as prior to kick-off in the Edinburgh Rugby v Stade Francais Heineken Cup fixture.

And the Border Telegraph has been informed that many clubs throughout the country plan to stage a similar tribute prior to their games this weekend.

In addition, the Scottish Rugby Union confirmed it is liaising with his family to identify a date and venue in Edinburgh for a memorial service to take place over the next few weeks.

Paying his own tribute before announcing his squad for the opening two matches of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship, Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "Bill McLaren was a world-class person and number one commentator in the world.

"He touched so many people's lives. To me, as a youngster, I was inspired by his commentary, the enthusiasm he showed for the game and how he made it entertaining."

And he added: "He was a tremendous person and a fantastic ambassador for the sport. My thoughts go out to his wife, Bette, and his family."

The Funeral Service conducted by the Rev Neil Comb will take place at Teviot Church, St Georges Lane, Hawick at 9.30am. The church will be open from 0900 hours with family arriving immediately prior to the commencement of the service.

The service will be relayed on a PA system to crowds expected to gather outside the church. Should adverse weather conditions occur, the church holds 650 people and arrangements are in hand for a further 200 to be accommodated within the church hall.

It is expected that many people will attend in Hawick High Street to pay their respects as the funeral cortege passes through the town. A memorial service is being organised for next month.

At the conclusion of the service, approximately 10.15am, the funeral cortege of the hearse and two further vehicles will depart St Georges Lane to travel to Wellogate Cemetery, Wellogate Brae, Hawick. It is expected that the journey will take approximately ten minutes.

The route to be taken is Buccleuch Street, Sandbed, Albert Bridge, Commercial Road, Mart Street, Bourtree Place, High Street, Backdamgate, Mill Path, Wellogate Brae.

The internment will take place at Wellogate Cemetery at 11am