Murrayfield fans share fondest memories of stadium for centenary celebrations

Hundreds of Scotland rugby fans across the world are sharing their best memories of Murrayfield Stadium as it celebrates its centenary.

The stadium, run by Scottish Gas, has launched its Murrayfield Memories campaign – sparking a flood of stories spanning decades of sport, music, and other events held on the grounds.

Many supporters cited Scotland’s famous 13-7 victory over England in 1990, securing the Grand Slam.

From David Sole’s walk to the pitch to Tony Stanger’s decisive try, hundreds of submissions highlighted the drama and emotion of that occasion.

Fans also recalled more recent moments, such as Finn Russell’s so-called “pass of the century” to Huw Jones in the 2018 Calcutta Cup, and the thunderous ovation for the late Doddie Weir when he delivered the match ball before Scotland faced New Zealand in November 2022 – his final appearance at Murrayfield before his death weeks later.

One supporter wrote: “I’m not embarrassed to say I shed tears. A testament to how much we Scots love the characters and those who give all for the Thistle.”

Not every memory involved a famous win, as many fans mentioned the 0-0 draw against the All Blacks in 1964, as were more personal recollections.

One fan described enduring 80 minutes of rugby just hours after wisdom tooth surgery, while another recalled meeting their future spouse on the Murrayfield terraces.

The record 104,000 crowd that watched Scotland beat Wales in 1975 also featured heavily in submissions, alongside more intimate memories such as representing a Glasgow Schools side against the Borders in 1965 when, according to one contributor, “the players almost outnumbered the spectators”.

Gavin Hastings, one of Scotland’s most celebrated internationals, was repeatedly named in fans’ stories. Beyond his performances in dark blue, many remembered his role in helping the Scottish Claymores to victory in the 1996 World Bowl at Murrayfield, played before the largest ever crowd for American football in Scotland.

Musical performances at the stadium – such as David Bowie, Tina Turner, Oasis and Taylor Swift – were mentioned by fans.

Scottish Rugby ambassador Chris Paterson, who won 109 caps for Scotland, said: “It’s so impressive to see the number of people who’ve taken the time to share their memories.

“It shows how important and inspiring our stadium has been. I reckon there must be millions of people from all around the world who have a special Murrayfield memory and, importantly, so many more yet to be made!

“It’s always subjective, but hopefully we’ll soon have as close to a definitive list as possible.

“There are so many memories to choose from. From being lucky enough to play, and win, on the field to sitting (and standing) as a supporter but for me my favourite Murrayfield memory is being in the schools’ enclosure in the south end, about one metre from the pitch, cheering on the team alongside my school friend from Gala for all the Rugby World Cup games in 1991.”

To mark the centenary, Scottish Rugby has teamed up with Essential Edinburgh to create a Murrayfield Then and Now exhibition at St Andrew Square.

Running until November 12, the free outdoor display features 14 photographic panels charting the stadium’s history, from its construction to its most famous sporting and cultural moments.

The Murrayfield Memories campaign will continue throughout the year, with selected memories featured in the official Centenary Programme alongside contributions from Scotland internationals past and present and global stars including Mathieu Bastareaud, Bryan Habana and Quade Cooper.

The centenary itself will be celebrated during the Quilter Nations Series this November, when Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga. The match against the All Blacks on November 8 has specifically been earmarked for special centenary activities.

Supporters still have time to submit their own Murrayfield memories by visiting scottishrugby.org/murrayfieldmemories.