Lions legend Ian McLauchlan dies aged 83 as tributes paid to Scottish rugby icon

Lions legend and Scotland captain, Ian McLauchlan, has died at the age of 83.

Might Mouse, as he was affectionately known, led Scotland out 19 times in his 43 appearances for his country, representing them between 1969 and 1979. But he will probably be best remembered for being one of only five players who played in all eight Lions Tests on the memorable winning tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974 respectively.

The stocky prop was small for the position but had a fearsome reputation in the scrum and scored a vital try against the All Blacks in ’71 in a 9-3 opening-Test win. “He was some character and some player,” said his former Scotland teammate, Andy Irvine.

“He was smaller than most props he came up against but I never saw anyone get the better of him. He was so tough, almost indestructible.”

McLauchlan was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fameand was awarded on OBE eight years ago. The legendary figure served as Scottish Rugby's president from 2010 until 2012 before stepping away from the board in 2019 having provided 50 years of service since his debut as a player.

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McLauchlan, who worked as PE teacher, learned he was going to earn his first international cap while teaching skiers in the Highlands. That internationoal career lasted 10 years as he made his final Scotland appearance versus New Zealand at Murrayfield in November 1979.

The Lions official X account paid tribute with a post that read: "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of former Scotland captain, and British & Irish Lions great, Ian McLauchlan, who has passed away at the age of 83".

McLauchlan was resident on Islay having left his home in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh to move to his wife, Eileen's birthplace. Eileen passed away in 2023 and McLauchlan endured challenges with his mobility in recent years.

A tribute by Graham Law said McLauchlan was a 'trail-blazer, the first former pupil of Ayr Academy and first student of Jordanhill College to be capped for Scotland' and that his skills were 'ahead of his time' as a player.

"Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Ian McLauchlan’s family and many friends," read the piece. "When we have details of his funeral service, we will update on our website."

Stewart Weir, Trustee of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, said: "Farewell Ian McLauchlan, 'Mighty Mouse,' Scotland and Lions legend. Party trick of lifting Kiwi & Boks tightheads off the ground in scrums or with uppercuts. Our Sunday morning conferences were never dull, and nothing surpassed one outrageous dinner in Cardiff. Rest easy"

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney said: "Very sorry to hear to the death of Ian McLauchlan. As a schoolboy I watched him play mesmerising rugby.

"He gave a lifetime of service to the game, and motivated so many to make a contribution. My condolences to his family."