Scott’s son and daughter confirmed the tragic news in a family statement.
Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings has sadly died at the age of 61 after battling cancer since 2022.
The former British and Irish Lions player won 65 caps for Scotland and played a huge part of the 1990 Grand Slam winning team.
Hastings revealed in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which could not be cured.
A statement was released by his son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne today, Sunday, May 17, confirmed the death which was also his late wife Jenny’s birthday.
It said: “We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.
“This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.
“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.
“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected. More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”
Scott was born in Edinburgh on December 4, 1964, and progressed from school rugby to Watsonians and Newcastle Northern before making his debut for the Edinburgh District team against North & Midlands on November 1985.
Early in 1986 he earned the first of 65 caps for the Scottish national team against France in 1986.
Scott and brother Gavin were part of the last Scotland side to win a Grand Slam when they triumphed in the 1990 Five Nations. His last appearance for Scotland was away to England in 1997.
He also toured with the British and Irish Lions twice, in the series-winning trip to Australia in 1989 and again to New Zealand in 1993, playing in two Tests against the Wallabies.
Scott became a well known rugby broadcaster, both as a commentator and pundit after retiring.
The Scottish Rugby Hall of Famer was also known for his charity work in aid of mental health, motor neurone disease alongside his wife Jenny who died in 2024..
Current Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, led the tributes saying Scott’s death will be a “huge loss”.
He said: “In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Scott was an iconic figure for Scottish rugby. His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.
“Like many other schoolboys throughout Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took the game to the opposition.
“A few years later, I was fortunate to play alongside him on a number of occasions for Scotland, as he became our most-capped player. His influence on his team-mates was still very strong towards the end of his career as he helped us come very close to winning another Grand Slam game against England at Murrayfield in 1996.
“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator. His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”
First Minister, John Swinney, posted: “I am terribly saddened to hear the news that Scott Hastings has died. One of Scotland’s finest rugby players, Scott was an example to all of outstanding sportsmanship. I always felt such joy when I met him at Murrayfield. My deepest sympathy to his family.”
Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and Lions head coach, said: “My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.
“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning.”
Kenny Logan starred with Scotland in the national team and also worked closely with him at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, following Doddie Weir’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
He said: “Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible. I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Scott’s role wasn’t just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit.”
A My Name 5 Doddie Foundation spokesperson said: “We are so sad to hear the news about Scott Hastings. Scott was our first chair at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and an incredible man, who was passionate about everything he did. He supported a huge number of important causes, and always did so with boundless energy and a smile.”
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