David Milne
(1958-2025)
All at Heriot’s Rugby Club are sad to report the passing, after a long and challenging battle against pancreatic cancer, of David, one of the famous 3 Bears of Goldenacre.
David was middle brother of Iain and Kenny, gracing the loose head prop position for the first XV for many years in the 70s, 80s and 90s along with his two brothers.Â
He made his Edinburgh district debut on their 1979 tour of France and went on to play six times for Scotland B, emerging in the victorious side on five occasions, including twice away against France. David toured Japan in 1989 and North America in 1991.
David played in both the Test matches against USA and Canada on the pre-Rugby World Cup tour in 1991 – these were subsequently included in the SRU’s retrospective caps project. He won a first full cap in the 1991 Rugby World Cup opener when he was introduced as a replacement for David Sole in the 47-9 win against Japan.
One rugby highlight for David, Kenny and Iain was when they lined up alongside each other to form the Barbarians front-row in a 34-22 victory against East Midlands at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton in 1989.
David was a well-known face in Edinburgh and wider Scottish business circles, working in Sales & Marketing for over 35 years for various companies including Fishers, Adam & Co and most recently Lindsays Solicitors, as a Business Development Manager. He sat on the board of five companies and up until recently was Chair of Edinburgh Leisure.
Heriot’s Ruby Club extends its’ sincere condolences to David’s family, in particular his wife Julia, son Rory, daughter Shonagh, grandson Freddie, Rory’s wife, Jas, and Shonagh’s husband Kalen, brothers Iain, Kenny and sister Susan.
The funeral will be held on Friday, 29 August at 12noon, Warriston Crematorium. No flowers, bright attire then onto Goldenacre.Â
Remembering our great working relationship in serviced laboratories and all our good times together with Julia and the family. Thinking of Julia and the family at this sad time. RIP Dave. Jeanette Lang
Had the privilege, to play with and against David on numerous occasions, as well as go on tour with him. He was a gent first and foremost, with a great sense of humour, we always had a laugh. Sincere condolences, to Dave’s family his bothers and sister.
RIP my friend.
In my early seasons at Heriot’s Rugby, I had the privilege of playing alongside David. I was fortunate to share the field with David and his brothers, who were affectionately known as the “Three Bears”. Their strength, determination, and unity set the standard for many of us coming through the club, and it was an experience I will always treasure.
David was not only a formidable player on the pitch but also a wonderful character off it. He had a presence that drew people in, whether in the changing room, at training, or later at the clubhouse at Goldenacre, where he was often found holding court with his great humour and warmth. He was a man who cared deeply about the club, his teammates, and the game itself.
I have many happy memories of David, both on and off the pitch, and his influence has stayed with me long after those playing days. His passing is a great loss to everyone who knew him.
Rest in peace, David. To his family, I hope you take strength and comfort from the many special memories and from knowing how fondly he is remembered by all of us who were lucky enough to play beside him.
My dear lifelong friend – many adventures together. School, youth club, first pints(under age) university, punk concerts, living and playing rugby in France, careers, our weddings, best man speeches, parties and most importantly, seeing us both go on to have wonderful caring families, and knowing how loved you are. Central to our friendship along with Neil Boyd and all of the Heriot’s family was our love of the game of rugby. David carried many of the true values of the game he displayed on the field and lived by them off the field. Play to win…but it’s only a game so be humble in victory and respect those you defeat. Play hard but play fair and remember the paramount importance of being a team. Train hard and prepare well(I remember doing weight training in Doc Milnes garage with him in the winter at 6am) and Spiers runs in the snow….as “Greatness” won’t come looking for you in life…you have to go and get it yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to fall on the ball…get down and take responsibility as he did in life. ..take the inevitable studding and win the ball with a smile on your face, a few stud marks on your back but the admiration of your team mates especially your brothers Ian and Kenny. When the going got really tough in the last 19 months, you showed us all the true Warrior that you are..a word that is used by many greater than me to describe your attitude, strength and unbelievable sense of humour since your diagnosis. We have all been privileged to have you in our lives and no one more than I know this. Julia, Rory, Shonagh, Ian, Kenny Susan and Freddie all in our thoughts at such a sad time along with all of David’s friends and wider family.
Sorry to hear the passing of David,I used to look forward to our tussle every season,we would knock hell out of each other for 80 minutes, then make it up in bar for the next 10 hours.So all my condolences to Julia and family and all the Heriots family from Gordon Laidlaw and all the boys from Boroughmuir RFC.RIP David.