Grahame Sutherland, a well-known character in rugby and cricket circles in Fife and the Borders, has died suddenly in hospital at the age of 55.
The former Cricket Scotland umpire, who latterly lived in Hawick, was a long-standing and popular member of Howe of Fife Rugby Club and an avid fan of both sports.
He umpired cricket matches including at junior international level and was a referee coach with the Border Rugby Referees Society.
Mr Sutherland was born in Perth in 1959 and spent his early childhood in Muthill before the family moved to Springfield.
He attended the village primary school and Bell Baxter High School, Cupar, where he began playing rugby for the school team.
He also played for Howe of Fife for a spell and was the rugby club’s match secretary and a committee member for many years.
A Scottish Court Service officer for 38 years at courts including Cupar, Dunfermline, Peebles, Jedburgh and Selkirk, he travelled far and wide for his love of sport.
His work took him from Fife to Hawick in 1992, where he was able to continue his involvement with rugby as a member of Hawick Trades, playing once for them in their final competitive match in 2004.
He leaves behind brother Gordon and sister-in-law Madge. At his funeral at Kirkcaldy Crematorium on Monday, mourners have been invited to wear rugby or cricket tops or club ties.