Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend has named his squad for the autumn internationals – and it contains a strong Stirling connection.
Leading that contingent is Bridge of Allan fly half and Lions star Finn Russell, who is back to weave his magic through defences, as well as taking up a vice-captaincy role alongside Rory Darge – backing up new skipper Sione Tuipulotu.
Joining Russell in the squad in representing the region is Stirling-born veteran second-rower Grant Gilchrist, who will earn his 72nd cap when he makes his first appearance in the series of four matches.
The 34-year-old, who turned out for both Alloa RFC and Stirling County, is also joined in the squad by another familiar faces to fans at Bridgehaugh in prop Jamie Bhatti and lock Max Williamson.
Bhatti, who was also born in the city, came through the age grades at County before moving on to Melrose and then Glasgow Warriors, where he has been a stalwart representative at Scotstoun.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Williamson sits at the other end of the experience scale from the other trio, having been named in the squad following his debut in the summer tour of the Americas.
The Glasgow Warriors player – who came through at County from the age of four – also turned out for the Stirling Wolves in the Super Series in 2021 and 2022, before making his competitive debut for Glasgow last year.
The traditional autumn series of fixtures will see Scotland host Fiji on November 2, before world champions South Africa provide a stern test on November 10.
The Murrayfield showdowns continue with the visit of Portugal six days later, before the matches conclude with a dust-up against the Wallabies of Australia on November 24.
Scotland head coach Townsend said: “We’ve been encouraged by the early season performances of our players and are looking forward to working with them once again. We had some stand-out performers on our summer tour, who have earned their selections for the Autumn Test
campaign.”