After a 22 year absence, Saturday the 14th of April will see London Scottish field a side at the famous Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens in aid of The Bill McLaren Foundation.

The Charitable Foundation was set up to raise funds to support the development of rugby and its values and in this spirit an advanced party from Scottish will hit the road with a number of former Scottish internationalists including John Jeffrey and Chris Patterson to visit clubs in the Borders in the week leading up to the tournament. Their key aim is to inspire budding rugby players of the future and educate them on the benefits of a healthy balanced diet to improve their performance.

London Scottish were eager to support Bill’s Foundation and the opportunity to play on their behalf on the 10 year anniversary of Bill’s last ever commentary which was at the Sevens provided an excellent opportunity. The trip North has only been made possible through the help of London Scottish Sponsor ‘Scotty Brand’, part of the Albert Bartlett Family of brands. The provider of fresh Scottish potatoes, vegetables and soft fruit has been instrumental in making the team's return to Melrose a reality and they were excited about the opportunity to use the trip as an opportunity to educate and inform young players throughout the Borders about the importance of a healthy diet to achieve their sporting goals.

Simon Elkinson, Head of Strength and Conditioning at London Scottish said: “As professional rugby players we rely on healthy whole foods, such as potatoes and vegetables as a way of getting the best out of our team. The energy expended in 80 minutes of rugby and training is huge, so it is essential athletes of all levels fuel up on a combination of carbohydrates and protein. We are excited about the Borders tour and meeting some players of the future and we hope we can help them with the approach both on and off the field. ”

London Scottish Head of Sponsorship David Leyden Dunbar went on to say “The support of Scotty in making this venture happen was invaluable. In the current economic climate they should be saluted for having the foresight to invest in this trip and help us spread this important message whilst raising the awareness of Bill’s Foundation”.

For further information please visit:

Scotty Brand – www.scottybrand.com

The Bill McLaren Foundation – www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk