Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Article Source: Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Last Updated: 10 November 2025 11:12

THE woman responsible for thousands of pieces of priceless Scottish rugby history has described the collection as a ‘national treasure hiding in plain sight’ as she lifts the lid on Scottish Rugby’s archive as part of the Murrayfield Memories campaign.

Deep beneath the stands at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, among stacks of forgotten match balls, yellowed photographs, and hand-stitched caps, heritage lead Laura Tinch is piecing Scotland’s rugby past back together one story at a time.

Tinch, who after originally discovering the Scottish Rugby Archive in 2016, has spent the past four years since the pandemic painstakingly cataloguing it, says the collection is ‘a national treasure’, and one day hopes to digitise the collection for access around the world. Inside are thousands of objects and personal mementoes that reveal the story of the Scottish game, and also the people who shaped it – soldiers, teachers, broadcasters, volunteers, and families whose lives intertwined with rugby’s rise.

“The collection is a national treasure hiding in plain sight. When I first opened the vault – well room to be more accurate – it was overwhelming, priceless artefacts piled high, barely labelled,” she recalls. “There was a marble hippo from Zimbabwe sitting next to an eagle from the USA, both brought home from Rugby World Cups. Of course, there are the trophies, the jerseys, the balls, and the medals, but I knew this is about far more than just rugby, it’s about people, about Scotland.”

Tinch is speaking as part of Murrayfield Memories, a nationwide campaign launched by Scottish Rugby last month to collect and celebrate personal stories from across the country as the national stadium celebrates its centenary this year. The project aims to highlight Murrayfield’s heritage through the memories of fans, shining a light on the social history of the game through the stories spanning 100 years.

“There are of course famous sporting moments that are synonymous with Murrayfield – the Grand Slams, the Calcutta Cups, magical rugby moments, but the archive is far bigger than that,” Tinch explains. “It’s about the local clubs, the volunteers who marked the pitches, the families, who travelled every weekend. These stories are the soul of Scottish rugby – they deserve to be remembered.”

A former tour guide at Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, Tinch has storytelling in her blood. Raised near Dunfermline in Fife, she grew up surrounded by history – her grandfather served on HMS Belfast, and family tales of wartime life filled the house. After leaving university and a brief flirtation with law, she discovered a knack for bringing the past to life through character performance and museum work. “I was Mary of Guise one week, a castle servant the next,” she laughs. “It taught me that history connects best when it feels human.”

That instinct now drives her work at Murrayfield. Since joining Scottish Rugby in 2011, initially to help revamp stadium tours, Tinch has gradually become more involved in the national game’s archive, unearthing a collection she believes holds national and international significance.

“It takes incredible dedication and an enormous amount of time. You could have a team of 20 trying to look after this collection and it’d still take forever to catalogue it. But that’s a huge part of the charm and challenge – there’s so much history in every piece,” Tinch, who is currently looks after the archive on her own, hopes to bring in further volunteers, explained.

Among her favourite discoveries is a near-pristine dark blue silk flag from South Africa, dated 1932. “It’s almost 100 years old and still gleams,” she says. “Unfolding it for the first time gave me goosebumps.” Another highlight is a set of ornate international caps, each one hand-stitched, dating back to 1871. “They’re like tiny pieces of art – silver-threaded, velvet, beautiful. You can see history changing through them, from the craftsmanship of the early game to the more practical caps after the Second World War, and the arrival of women’s caps in the modern era. Each tells a social story as much as a sporting one.”

But it’s the human connections that move her most. During Scottish Rugby’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Tinch – aided by Murrayfield tour guide David Jordan and his wife Fay – helped track down the descendants of James Michael Blair, a soldier who died in the D-Day landings who represented Scotland during the Second World War years, but was never officially capped. “We found his relatives in Inverness and sent them his cap,” she recalls. “It was incredibly emotional. These are moments when sport becomes family history.”

Her work has also uncovered the quirks that make rugby folklore unique – like the tale of fans spiking cockerels with rum-soaked raisins to sneak them into Murrayfield in the 1980s. It’s a moment immortalised in the Scottish rugby museum in a famous photograph of legendary Scotland captain Finlay Calder baring down on one of the birds on the pitch. “Everybody’s seen that image, but few know the mad story behind it. It’s those eccentric, very Scottish touches that make the archive so alive,” she added.

Other artefacts include a pair of black boots from 1971 – once work by the late great Scotland captain PC Brown – with branding blacked out in marker pen to prevent the giant forward falling foul of sponsorship rules in the sport’s strictly amateur era.

The archive also includes handwritten notes from Bill McLaren, the legendary commentator whose voice became the sound of rugby for generations. “Bill’s story transcends the pitch,” Tinch says. “He was a teacher, a soldier, a pioneer of sports broadcasting – and he connected Scotland to the world. Holding his notes in your hands, written on old school jotters, is spine-tingling.”

As the Murrayfield Memories campaign prepares to reach its climax at the Scotland vs New Zealand match on November 8, Tinch hopes to see more of Scotland’s rugby heritage recognised as part of the nation’s cultural story.

“It tells us who we are,” she says. “Every medal, every jersey, every faded photo tells a story of courage, community, and identity. These memories belong to everyone in Scotland – and they deserve to be protected.”

Murrayfield Memories is a Scottish Rugby initiative dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the stories, objects and photographs that tell the human history of rugby in Scotland. The campaign invites fans, families, and former players to share their personal mementoes and memories, helping to celebrate the nation’s sporting heritage.

To contribute your story to the Murrayfield Memories archive, visit scottishrugby.org/murrayfieldmemories.

Image: Laura Tinsh, Heritage Lead at Scottish Rugby, with the Doddie Weir Cup (image courtesy of Scottish Rugby)

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition

One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

Make a date with Destination Christmas

Looking to entertain the children with schools closing for Christmas? There's time to catch the last few days of Destination Christmas, a family festive spectacular at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park.

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity

Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

South Lanarkshire Council announces dates for their 2025 Christmas Lights switch on events

The countdown to Christmas is underway with lights scheduled to be switched on at events across South Lanarkshire!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings