I joined Aberdeenshire for one season, 1966-67, after three very enjoyable seasons with the University side. It would have been four, but for a difference of opinion with one of my Professors. As I entered my final year he felt it was high time that academic studies made a brief intrusion into my sporting activites. Prepared to try anything once, I agreed, under pressure, to give up rugby for one year.

By October I was getting very restless. It was then I was approached by Scotland's answer to Danie Craven and Colin Meads rolled into one - the inimitable Sandy Stark. Promising me more line-out ball than I could ever have dreamed of, and a season with a happy, friendly club, he persuaded me to join 'Shire. I'm very glad I did, as I had a wonderful year with a lot of happy memories - but as for line-out ball!! Still one of the great pleasures of playing for 'Shire was simply listening every Saturday night to the heroic deeds of our lock forwards, recounted vividly and at length by our lock forwards.

Of course, the great spirit of 'Shire when I played was due largely to great characters like Sandy Stark and Pete McConnell. The high standard of play was due largely to the great Ken Scotland. He was a tremendous influence not only with 'Shire but with rugby in the North generally. Playing alongside him each Saturday is my strongest memory of 'Shire ten years ago. I'm very grateful for my season with 'Shire and happily join everyone else in congratulating the club on celebrating its Centenary Year.