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Great Scott – Rugby legend marks Pentlands 100th session with special visit

Pentlands Sporting Memories club celebrated a special milestone recently. The club which meets in Juniper Green, held their 100th meeting on 19th February and to mark the occasion they invited former Scotland rugby international centre Scott Hastings, to join them.  

Scott is one of the famous Hastings brothers who dominated Scottish Rugby from the eighties through to his retirement in 2000.  

Sport, Sport, Sport! 

Scott began by talking about his school days at George Watsons in Edinburgh. He is one of four brothers, three of whom went on to play rugby, with Scott recollecting them all playing a variety of sport in their back garden, whether it was tennis, cricket, or football - all until the sun went down and they were called in for supper! 

Scott achieved his first Scotland cap alongside older brother Gavin in an 18-17 win over France in 1986.? Three years later Scott and Gavin became the first brothers to be selected for a Lions tour - this one in Australia. He had to mention that Scotland lost their first test match without him and then went on to win their next two when he played! 

In his early days, Scott was most notable for his searing pace, straight-running and ability to break the gain line virtually every time he received the ball. It was not long, however, before his bullocking runs from the centre were complemented by the stonewall defensive qualities which were to remain the salient quality in his game as his pace faded later on. 

The one he will always be remembered for 

He shared fond memories of the 1990 Gland Slam win, spoke about his nerves before the game but the elation after it. One of the members referenced his try saving tackle towards the end of the game to secure the win. It was without doubt the one moment for which he will long be remembered. 

It was the Grand Slam decider, and English winger?Rory Underwood?had scythed through the Scottish defence when Hastings managed to drag him down short of the line when a try seemed inevitable. This audacious move secured the Grand Slam for Scotland – a proud day. 

Supporting MND 

Scott then took a moment or two to share his support for the Doddie Weir Foundation which helps fund research into motor neurone disease. He has also been a patron of MND Scotland and a supporter of the?Euan MacDonald Centre, a research centre that is part of the?University of Edinburgh?and looks into the?condition. 

Our Pentlands Club were delighted to welcome such an iconic Scottish sporting figure for their landmark session and they hope to see Scott return to a session in the future!