Published: Friday, 29th January, 2010 2:36pm

Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller to feature in Bill McLaren tribute

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MURRAYFIELD Stadium is to host a celebration of the life of the Voice of Rugby Bill McLaren, it has been confirmed.

Bill, who died last week at the age of 86, regarded the iconic Edinburgh stadium as "his second home" and after consultation with his family the Scottish Rugby Board decided at its meeting in Glasgow yesterday that Scottish Rugby would be honoured to act as hosts.

The event will take place at the stadium on Thursday, March 11, beginning at 6.30pm.

Details of the tribute will be finalised over the next few weeks but the family, Scottish Rugby and the BBC will work together to ensure a programme that reflects Bill's great passions, not just rugby but also music from the pipes and drums to Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller.

The stadium's big screens will be used to replay some of Bill's most inspiring commentaries and guests from throughout the rugby world and closer to home will be welcome to offer their tributes to Hawick's favourite son.

Linda Lawson, Bill's daughter, said: "As a family, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of so many people who dad reached in some way and we are keen to make the event a celebration of dad's life and the things that he loved.

"We also want to make it as accessible as possible so we thought an evening event at Murrayfield, which dad regarded as his second home, would work well.

"And as it's two days before the Calcutta Cup match, we hope that the date will enable supporters from outwith Scotland to come along too."

Scottish Rugby's Chief Executive Gordon McKie said: "Scottish Rugby is honoured to host this celebration. Bill's funeral in Hawick earlier this week was very moving and we look forward to working in tandem with his family, the BBC and those who wish to add their gratitude for this most gifted Scottish broadcaster who simply brought rugby to life."