A FORMER Scotland and Gala rugby player has died just one day after completing a 1,000-mile charity cycle.

Ken Macaulay, 67, took on the challenge to raise cash for four causes, including the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Macaulay, who played more than 300 games for Gala across 13-and-a-half seasons, completed his three-week cycle at Netherdale on Saturday (October 26).

His death on Sunday was described by his family as a “huge shock”.

In a joint statement, his wife Pat, son Richard and daughter Joanna said: “This is a huge shock to us all, especially after he concluded his incredible charity cycle on Saturday. We’re so proud of him but overwhelmed by his loss at the same time.

“Ken’s first response to receiving his retrospective cap was to use it as a platform to give back – we are so in awe of all he has achieved.”

In 1976, Macaulay moved to study at the Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels and joined the town’s rugby club.

The forward, who scored 35 tries for the Maroons, was on Gala’s first tour to California in 1979 and their trip to Canada in 1986.

A Gala spokesperson said: “Everyone at Gala Rugby would like to send their condolences to Pat, Richard and Joanna – and the rest of Ken’s family – at this tough time.

“The club will release further comment later in the week once we have had an opportunity to take in this tragic news.”

Macaulay was awarded a retrospective Scotland cap in February.

In 1980, he was selected for a three-match Scotland tour of France. On April 26, he partnered fellow Gala lock Tom Smith in the boiler-house against a French Select in Bordeaux.

“Ken was a big man, with an out-going personality,” said Scottish Rugby president Colin Rigby. “His passion for rugby knew no bounds.

“He took immense pride in being awarded a Scotland cap and was determined to ‘give something back’ after such a rich and fulfilling rugby career.

“He set out on a three-week cycle around Scotland, covering the 76 clubs he had visited as a player to raise funds for four charities that meant a lot to him – the Murrayfield Injured Players’ Foundation; Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland; Prostate Scotland; and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – and he completed the 1,000 miles plus at Gala Rugby Club on Saturday night.

“It was a measure of the esteem in which he was held that former Scotland players and British & Irish Lions joined him on legs of that cycle, as well as friends from the wider rugby family in Scotland.

“It is devastating news to hear of Ken’s passing, so soon after he had completed such a selfless mission, and we send all our love to his family and friends.”

Macaulay set out on his fundraising mission to visit every Scottish pitch he played on during his 30-year career of league rugby on his 67th birthday earlier this month.

His efforts have raised just shy of £15,000, smashing the original goal of around £5,000.

His death will be marked at the Scotland v Fiji game in the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday.

The family said they would share details of his funeral “in due course”, but encouraged people to continue to donate.

You can find the fundraising page here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kens-retrospective-challenge