The family of Gordon Brown - "Broon frae Troon" - are sad to announce his death. He passed away peacefully at Ayr Hospice at 4am today.

"The world of rugby has lost a giant of a man both in build and sparkling personality," said the SRU's Director of Rugby Jim Telfer. "Gordon made an immense contribution to Scottish and British rugby and was very much the cornerstone of our pack in the early 1970s. He was a big man in every sense and his enthusiasm for the game, and life in general, shone in everything he did. His death is sad news and I extend my sympathy to his family and friends."

Scotland coach, Ian McGeechan, a British Lion with Brown in both South
Africa in 1974 and New Zealand in 1977, said: "Gordon was one of life's exceptional characters. He was a huge figure in our Test triumphs in South Africa in 1974. In all, he scored eight tries on that tour, including two in successive Tests, to set a record for a visiting forward on a tour. Gordon loved his rugby and he loved having fun. His fellow players, both in Scotland and Lions teams, always regarded him as special. I send my sincere sympathies to his family."

Gordon Brown was born on 1 November 1947 in Troon and attended the town's Marr College. He was the son of Jock Brown, the former Clyde and Scotland football goalkeeper, and was the younger brother of lock forward Peter Brown, who played for his country 27 times.

Gordon played his club rugby for Marr and West of Scotland and won the first of his 30 caps for Scotland against South Africa in 1969. His last appearance was against Ireland in 1976.

West of Scotland secretary David Johnston said: "Gordon supported West of Scotland magnificently over the years, firstly as a distinguished player and then in his retirement. He will be sorely missed by all at Burnbrae."

Standing 6ft 5ins and weighing in at 16st 12lbs in his playing prime, Brown toured three times with the British Lions - to New Zealand in 1971, South Africa in 1974 and New Zealand again in 1977. In all he played in eight Test matches on the three ventures. It was not just on the pitch, however, that Gordon made his impact felt. Off the pitch, he was a superb tourist, acting as choirmaster for the 1977 Lions and playing many a fine round of golf in South Africa in 1974.

A former building society branch manager, Gordon was a natural as an
after-dinner speaker and his sense of fun was also apparent as part of the ITV commentary teams at the 1991 and 1995 Rugby World Cup tournaments.

At the Scotland v Italy game at the weekend, Scottish rugby paid tribute to Gordon and made a donation to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

All in Scottish rugby send their condolences to Gordon's wife, Linda, children Mardi and Rory, grandson Zac, mother Margaret and Jock.