New trophy marks Walter Scott's early rugby links
Edinburgh rugby legend Gavin Hastings (right) and South legend Keith Robertson (left) unveiled the new trophy
- Published
A new rugby trophy marking Sir Walter Scott's role in the early versions of the sport in the Scottish Borders has been unveiled.
The famous author, who made his home at Abbotsford near Galashiels, organised a game with no rules between 200 men from Selkirk and Yarrow to celebrate Britain's victory at Waterloo in 1815.
The new Abbotsford Claret Jug will be competed for by Edinburgh and the South of Scotland in the Inter District Championship.
The first match the two teams will take place at Mansfield Park in Hawick on 7 November.
Sir Walter Scott was the world's biggest selling author during the early 19th century
During his lifetime, Scott's novels such as Ivanhoe, Waverley and Rob Roy made him one of the most famous writers in Europe and helped forge Scotland as an early tourist hot-spot for international visitors.
His epic adventures are often credited with reinventing Scottish identity.
In 1815, Scott organised a legendary match that is now known as the Carterhaugh Ba Game.
"Over 100 men from Selkirk wearing fir sprigs faced over 100 from Yarrow wearing heather, with 2,000 spectators watching," says Neil Mackenzie KC, Keeper of the Advocates Library at Abbotsford.
"Scott paraded the ancient Buccleuch banner as pipes skirled.
"The rules? A ball, hands and feet, score goals - that was it.
"After three brutal hours, at dusk it ended in a draw. But the press coverage caught fire, and that game entered rugby folklore."
'Walter Scott loved creating traditions'
The trophy has been commissioned by the Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Collection Trust.
Abbotsford chief executive Giles Ingram said: "Walter Scott absolutely loved creating traditions, creating ceremonies and I think he would've thoroughly approved of us inventing another one by creating this new cup."
Scotland and Edinburgh rugby legend Gavin Hastings is hoping for Edinburgh to be the first team to get their hands on the trophy and is happy to see the creation of it.
He said: "It is wonderful to see such an amazing trophy created in this day and age for a game that has a special place in history."
South of Scotland rugby legend Keith Robertson said: "The South has always had a very special place in the hearts of rugby players in this part of the world, and it is fantastic to see that history celebrated and linked with Sir Walter Scott."