Scottish Rugby has backed the campaign to award legendary commentator Bill McLaren a knighthood.

Hawick-born McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby',  has collected an MBE, an OBE and a CBE for his services to the sport.

But now the SRU are throwing their weight behind an online petition to see McLaren, who retired from broadcasting in 2002 - land the top honour in the Queen's Honours List.

Scottish Rugby President Jim Stevenson said: "Scottish Rugby is delighted to back the campaign to have Hawick's favourite son Bill McLaren knighted for his unstinting service to the game in a career which spanned over five decades.

"Bill was not just a broadcaster, the world-renowned, impartial voice of rugby, and a well-respected journalist.

"He was also a teacher of physical education who inspired generations of rugby players with his sheer love for the game of rugby union."