Scottish cricket hero and ex-coach, aged 58

Tributes have been paid to Scottish cricket hero Willie Morton, who died on July 19.

The former internationalist was just 58 years old when he suddenly collapsed.

Stirling-born Morton made his firstclass debut in 1982 for Scotland in a match against Ireland.

He was at Warwickshire from 1984-85 and played 10 first class matches for the county. In total, he took 29 first-class wickets at an average of 34.58.

The left-arm spin bowler was also instrumental in training young stars as coach and heads groundsman at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh. He also used to coach the Scotland under-19 team.

The cricket star also had a stint playing in South Africa.

Tributes have been flooding in for Mr Morton since he passed late last week.

Former Scotland captain Craig Wright said: “Devastating news that this champion of a bloke has left us far too soon. It was an absolute privilege to have known Willie Morton and spent many fun times with him at cricket grounds around the country and overseas.

“He had a huge influence on many young Scottish players and the wider Scottish cricket community and will be sadly missed.”

Another former Scotland captain, George Salmond, knew Mr Morton for 31 years.

He said: “I was just on the fringes of the Scotland set-up around 1988 and I met Willie for the first time when we headed down to Durham University for a B game.

“I was quite nervous, but I walked into the team hotel reception to be greeted by Willie and his great friend Bruce Russell.

“Those two were such a great laugh, they made me feel at ease straight away and having heard about the legend that was Willie Morton I soon began to love spending time in his company because he was such a brilliant, normal guy.

“I also vividly remember us batting together in a trial match at Strathmore. I was struggling to score a run and wickets were falling around me, but Morts came in, calmed me down and we put together a cracking partnership and really enjoyed it.

“It was an honour to be a team-mate, opponent, work colleague and friend of Willie, a gem of a human being, loved by all.”

Mr Morton helped mould many young cricketers during his time coaching the Scotland under-19 team.

One of the players who learnt a lot from Morton was current Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer.

He said: “I am so gutted to hear about the passing of Willie Morton.

“I was lucky to be coached by him and share some very special memories with the great man.”