The Watsonian Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of ex-GWC pupil and 1960s international prop. Major General John Macdonald in early May.
Born in Kirkcaldy, he attended George Watson's College in the 1950s and as well as rugby he excelled at golf and athletics, holding the shot putt record for many years, and subsequently created a prize for promising GWC athletes.
John came into the club during the 1961/62 season where he laid the foundations for a stellar rugby career that included playing for London Scottish and achieving eight caps for Scotland, the first in 1966 including that year's Calcutta Cup victory..
He also proudly represented the Barbarians in 1964. Proving his tough front-row credentials, John broke his arm during the game but made sure he still made it to the altar just two days later, marrying his wife Mary with his arm in plaster.
He was commissioned into the army in 1958, initially with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, but then served with the Royal Army Service Corps and served around the world before finishing his career as Director General of Transport and Movements at the Ministry of Defence.
A highly distinguished British Army officer and an exceptional rugby man, John will be fondly remembered. The club extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.
A full obituary can be found here.