It’s with great sadness to share the news that one of the Marr Rugby greats James Davidson (Hamish) McCulloch, aged 78, sadly passed away at home on Thursday 13th October 2022 with loving wife Liz by his side.

Hamish was a Marr Rugby stalwart and began his playing career at Marr as a winger.

Hamish regarded himself as the slowest winger in Scotland, although he was a great tackler and scored a fair number of tries in his career.

Hamish is pictured in this 1962/1963 team photo (back row extreme right) in a squad that included Gordon Brown, Arthur Dunsmuir, David Paton, Alex Graham and Bert Johnstone.

One of Hamish’s notable achievements in his playing days was at the end of his 1st XV era when he decided to take on the captaincy of the 2nd XV. Hamish did this with such enthusiasm that they developed a great team spirit and improved the standard of play of the 2nds much to the benefit of the 1st XV. At that time there was an Ayrshire Cup competition for 2nd XVs and Hamish’s team won it.

Hamish also played in the first Marr team to win the Ayrshire Cup in 1966/67. Later on Hamish moved position to play scrum half and captained a very successful 2nd XV. This is the position Hamish stuck to before going on to Captain the 3rd XV.

Hamish was then appointed Club Coach in the 1974/75 season and guided the team to the 4th Division title and promotion to the 3rd Division.

Hamish eventually went on to serve as President of Marr Rugby during the 1983/84 & 1984/85 seasons.

After serving Marr as a player, coach and President, Hamish then became a regular supporter of the club and attendee at Fullarton. Hamish had also been a keen golfer and a member of Royal Troon Golf club for many years.

Hamish will be sadly missed by many across the Troon community and everyone at Marr Rugby sends their condolences to the family.

Funeral arrangements
On Monday 31st October, the family has requested for the cortège to be driven from Marr Rugby Club at 12.45pm to Royal Troon at 12.50pm to give people the opportunity to say goodbye. At 1.00pm a service will be held at Portland Parish Church, St. Meddans Street, Troon followed by a service at Troon cemetery at 1.30pm.

After the service all are invited to join the family at Marr Rugby Club, Fullarton Woods, Isle of Pin Road, Troon KA10 7ER to share your fond memories and stories of Hamish.

Marr Rugby club ties should be worn which I am sure, the family will appreciate.

Tony Peters Marr RFC President