Adam passed away in hospital in Glasgow following heart surgery.

Colin Grassie, chairman of the Scottish Rugby Board, said: “On behalf of the Board of Scottish Rugby I would like to express our profound shock and sadness over the passing of our colleague Adam Gray.

“Adam brought passion, wisdom and total integrity to everything he did over many years for Scottish Rugby. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and host of friends. We will miss him very much.”

A dairy farmer by profession from the hamlet of Borgue, near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, Adam, known universally as Pinky, glowed with enthusiasm and was decidedly a glass half full individual.

He fulfilled every conceivable role at Stewartry rugby club in Castle Douglas.

He played for the club as a utility back for around ten years, became captain and then, in 1992, was appointed coach.

During his tenure the club won promotion on three occasions and he was named BT National League Coach of the Year in 2005.

Chris Paterson, Scotland’s points record holder, recalled Adam’s inspiring influence on Stewartry. Chris said: “Adam was always fiercely proud of Stewartry’s run in the National Cup competition in 1999.

“Gala narrowly beat them in the quarter-final at their patch and it was a brilliant display of club and a community coming together and almost causing an upset, Gary Parker’s late try, after dribbling the ball all the way up field in front of the makeshift stand – one of the locals’ lorry with the sides opened up and temporary seating in it – proving the difference.

“The reception and the warmth in the clubhouse after the most hostile and physically competitive match was as great an example of rugby values as you’ll find. Adam was absolutely integral to the whole day/campaign. When we met, we still spoke about it.”

During his years of devoted service to the game, Adam’s guidance saw players of the calibre of winger Andrew Wilson, prop Stuart Fenwick, centre Joe Ansbro, prop Suzy Hex, centre Stafford McDowall and lock Alex Craig, go on to win representative rugby honours from their initial exposure to the game at the Stewartry club .

Adam was appointed to Scottish Rugby’s staff in 2006 and served for four years as Performance Development Manager for Glasgow South.

Between 2011 and 2013 he was on Scottish Rugby’s referee selection panel and in 2014 he was appointed to the referees’ advisory panel.

The following year, he was first elected to the Scottish Rugby Council, as a representative of regional league clubs in Glasgow South and in 2018 he was appointed to the Board of Scottish Rugby.

Scottish Rugby extends its sincere sympathies to Adam’s wife Lissy, their children Georgina and Cameron and all Adam’s many friends.

The Saltire at BT Murrayfield Stadium is flying at half-mast today in tribute to Adam and we will mark his passing more significantly when rugby in Scotland resumes.