Brian Leggat, 1928-2026
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Brian Leggat on Thursday, 26th March. Brian, a lifelong supporter of the Club, was aged 77.
John Brian Leggat was a pupil at Edinburgh Academy from 1953 to 1966, where he was a stalwart in the 2nd XV, a sergeant in the CCF and a hard working student, before going on to read Law at Edinburgh University. He went on to enjoy a fine reputation as a hard working commercial property lawyer with Dundas and Wilson. As well as having a successful professional career, Brian added his legal knowledge and experience to the Court of Edinburgh Academy, serving as a director (governor) for several years, latterly as chairman of the Planning and Policy Committee. Indeed, his friend and fellow director, Willie Henderson, recalled ‘I sat on the Academy Court with Brian where he was a senior member and a great servant of the School. I am sure the Rector at that time, John Light, was very grateful for his wise counsel.’
Brian, with erstwhile EA Court Directors, Henry Fairweather and Willie Henderson, chatting with HRH The Princess Royal, on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Edinburgh Academy, in February 1999.
Brian loved his rugby, playing mainly for the Accies 3rd and 4th XVs, where he revelled in the ‘social ethos’ that we still enjoy today at the Club. Although a social player, his friend, John Paterson, recalled that ‘such was his enthusiasm, he was only one of a couple of players in that (4th XV) team that regularly trained on Tuesday & Thursday.’ Brian’s stag party was even hosted at Raeburn Place, and he often recounted a memorable - if not entirely sensible - story involving a pint glass and the rugby posts!
Brian supported the Club with unwavering commitment for decades. He was always willing to lend a hand, and a happy Saturday for Brian involved watching the Academy at New Field in the morning, often cheering on his son, Douglas, before heading to Raeburn Place in the afternoon to watch Accies, often manning the scoreboard. His old friend, Rob Blair, fondly recalled that ‘Brian was an avid supporter and wonderful on the admin side with both the Club and Foundation…I doubt he ever missed a home game.’ Brian served on the committee of the Club for several years, starting in the late 1960s, and took over from Rob as Field Secretary in 1987, dealing with all aspects of the ground at Raeburn Place, including the alcohol licences for the discos (a brave thing to take on back in those wild days!).
In 2020, Brian and his family were very generous in their support of the fit-out of the new Clubhouse, The Place, for which we can all be very thankful. Brian also played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Raeburn Place Foundation, where his legal expertise proved invaluable during its formative years. Brian worked tirelessly to ensure the Foundation’s success and remained a trustee of the charity for many years.
Beyond rugby, Brian had a deep love of golf and was a member of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Muirfield) for a remarkable 44 years (1982-2026).
In later life, Parkinson’s disease prevented Brian from attending matches at Raeburn Place in person. However, he continued to follow the teams closely and took great pleasure in hearing of their successes.
A very happy Brian with his family – daughter Jo, wife Iona and son Douglas – some great ties on show!
Brian was a wonderful gentleman and lifelong supporter of Accies who will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Brian’s family and his many friends at this sad time.
Brian’s funeral will be held at 11am on Friday, 1st May, at Mortonhall Crematorium, after which all family and friends are warmly invited to the Braid Hills Hotel. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, may be made to the Raeburn Place Foundation.