Rugby union mourned the death of Doddie Weir in an emotional memorial service for the inspirational former Scotland player and charity fundraiser.
Weir died aged 52 last month after a six-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Friends, family, and members of the rugby community and beyond gathered at Melrose Parish Church on Monday to pay their respects to the Scottish legend.
The service was live streamed on Scottish rugby's website and anyone attending was asked to wear tartan - a request made by Weir himself. Former Scotland head coach Ian McGeechan and Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy were among those to visit the service in the Scottish Borders.
Current Scotland boss Gregor Townsend was also in attendance, along with former players such as Rob Wainwright, John Jeffrey, Gavin Hastings, Carl Hogg and Kenny Logan.
Logan's wife Gabby, the BBC TV presenter, was also present, while the audio from the church service was also relayed to the town's rugby club, The Greenyards.
Weir's three sons Hamish, Angus and Ben all wore striking tartan suits in a touching tribute to their late father's trademark.
And the trio stepped up to deliver a heartwarming poem about their father, who campaigned tirelessly to improve research of MND and raised millions through his foundation before his death.
Requiem for Doddie (The Mad Giraffe) was written by Timmy Douglas and references the nickname that the 6ft 5in second row was given by legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren.
"The legendary mad giraffe that all of us can picture, who raised our spirits, made us laugh, has played his final fixture," the poem begins.
"This man was everybody’s friend, his passing truly tragic," the final lines read. "He touched our heartstrings to the end. His life and times were magic."
The service to celebrate Weir's life was led by Reverend Rosie Frew and also included tributes from his sister Kirsty Mundell, and former teammates Wainwright and Hogg.
Weir's former Scotland captain Wainwright has vowed to keep his fundraising legacy alive by pushing for a breakthrough for MND sufferers.
And Wainwright described the 61-capped second row as a "one of the best-loved icons of the game". He also said finding a cure for MND would be "Doddie's trophy" as he concluded with "Goodbye old friend".
Hogg said in his own tribute: "Doddie had an amazing life, it was action packed full of fun, lots of adventure and lots of love."
Weir's wife Kathy also issued a statement on behalf of the family after an emotional time since the rugby star's passing. In the statement they thanked everyone who had been "incredibly supportive" over the past two weeks.
"As a family, we have been overwhelmed by the many messages we have received from all over the world," she said. "They have brought great comfort to me and the boys.
"We really appreciate people taking the time to share their own memories of Doddie and let us know we are in their thoughts."
She also said the service at Melrose Parish Church had given everyone attending a chance to pay their respects.
"We understand not everyone will be able to make it, particularly given the time of year, but we know you're all thinking of us," she added.
