Tributes to Stewartry stalwart Adam Gray

Adam Gray, a member of the Scottish Rugby Board and described as “a real champion of the club game” who captained and coached Stewartry, has died in hospital in Glasgow following heart surgery. He was 60.

A dairy farmer by profession from the hamlet of Borgue, near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, Adam, known universally as Pinky, glowed with enthusiasm and was decidedly a glass half full individual.

He fulfilled every conceivable role at Stewartry rugby club in Castle Douglas.

He played for the club as a utility back for around ten years, became captain and then, in 1992, was appointed coach.

During his tenure the club won promotion on three occasions and he was namedbtnationalleague Coach of the Year in 2005.

Colin Grassie, chairman of the Scottish Rugby Board, said: “On behalf of the Board of Scottish Rugby I would like to express our profound shock and sadness over the passing of our colleague Adam Gray.

“Adam brought passion, wisdom and total integrity to everything he did over many years for Scottish Rugby. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and host of friends. We will miss him very much.”

Gray’s guidance saw players of the calibre of winger Andrew Wilson, prop Stuart Fenwick, centre Joe Ansbro, prop Suzy Hex, centre Stafford Mcdowall and lock Alex Craig, go on to win representative honours from their initial exposure to the game at the Stewartry club.

Adam was appointed to Scottish Rugby’s staff in 2006 and served for four years a Performance Development Manager for Glasgow South.

He was elected to the Scottish Rugby Council in 2015 and in 2018 he was appointed to the Board of Scottish Rugby.

Gray is survived by his wife Lissy and their children Georgina and Cameron.

The Saltire at Murrayfield flew at half-mast yesterday in tribute.