Rugby fever will hit Stonehaven next weekend during a fundraising initiative for one Scotland’s greatest players.
An eight-team tournament is being staged on Saturday August 25 to raise funds for Doddie Weir’s motor neurone disease charity, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Participants from across Scotland will take part in the event, held at Mackie Academy, with six former Scotland internationalists – including a British and Irish Lion star – competing on the day.
It has been organised by a group of Stonehaven residents under the banner ‘STRIVE’ and follows a five-day, 700-mile fundraising cycle which took place earlier this month and raised £30,000 for the campaign.
The rugby action will be supported by various fundraising activities, a BBQ, kids entertainment, a marquee with live music from local artist Alannah Moar and Aberdeen band Reloaded and a mini beer festival.
The Calcutta Cup will also make an appearance and there will be an opportunity for youngsters to receive coaching tips from the ex-Scotland players in attendance.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up by Mr Weir last year after he was diagnosed with MND.
It funds research into the causes of the disease, while making grants to individuals suffering from the condition.
The teams involved are Mackie Academy, King Penguins, Howe Of Fife, Pigbarians, Ellon, BRUCE, Orkney and an Aberdeen select team.
And the ex-internationalists making an appearance are Nikki Walker, Barry Stewart, Marcus Di Rollo, Stuart Grimes, Kevin McKenzie and former Lion, Tom Smith.
Willie Tulloch of STRIVE said: “We are ready for a fantastic day of rugby as well as a fun atmosphere for people to come along and enjoy themselves.
“We are delighted to be welcoming many rugby greats on the day and we’re looking forward to some healthy competition between the teams.
“Doddie Weir was a talismanic rugby player and continues to be a wonderful ambassador for the sport. He has tackled his diagnosis with MND head on and his efforts are nothing short of inspirational.”
A charity ball being held on Saturday September 22, at the Marcliffe in Aberdeen, will conclude the group’s fundraising efforts.
More information about the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can be found at myname5doddie.co.uk.