Hastings relished every time he worked with McLaren.

He said: “He was a wonderful man. He was a real family man.

“He was known as the ’voice of rugby’ and that probably will be his legacy.”

BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie said: ``Bill McLaren was one of the true broadcasting greats whose voice was synonymous with rugby both here in Scotland and throughout the world.

“His knowledge and passion for the game was second to none and his commentaries helped make international rugby matches a major part of the sporting calendar every year for our audiences.

“A tremendously modest man, Bill was the ultimate professional who always went out of his way to help the many colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.

“He also worked tirelessly to support youngsters keen to learn more about the game he loved, especially in his home town.

“To those who knew him closest though, Bill was known as a wonderfully loyal friend and a devoted family man and our thoughts are with them at this time.”

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The world of sport and broadcasting has lost a true legend with the passing of Bill McLaren.

“He thoroughly deserved the title ’voice of rugby’ and was a fantastic ambassador for Scotland and his native Hawick right around the world. His contribution to the sport of rugby cannot be overstated.

“His famously descriptive commentaries brought a joy and understanding of the game to rugby fans and less-knowledgeable viewers that few others have ever managed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Scottish Rugby were ``immensely saddened'' at McLaren's passing.

Scotland captain Chris Cusiter said: “When I was growing up, he was the voice of rugby. He was the guy you heard and you recognised instantly. He was unparalleled.”

Scotland attack coach and former international Gregor Townsend said: “As a youngster, I used to cut out the articles Bill wrote in The Herald.

“I remember he wrote about me when I played for Gala against Melrose and he had such a technical grasp of the game and was able to offer advice for things for a young player to work on. He knew his rugby all right.

“I first met him when it was my first season for Scotland. As part of Bill’s preparation, he would come along and watch the team train on the Friday.

“If you were lucky Bill would give you a Hawick Ball (the famous minty sweets that he carried with him in a tin). I’m a Gala man but Bill would always say to me I was his wife’s favourite when he handed over the sweeties.

“Bill was fantastic. A Scot and a Borderer - a global rugby figure that everybody held in the highest regard.”

Chris Paterson, Scotland’s most capped player, said: “I was shattered when I heard the news and I feel so sorry for his friends and family.

“On a personal level, I grew up listening to him and he made rugby sound both entertaining and interesting.

“Later on, I had to pinch myself when I played in games that he commentated on. I don’t think there’ll be anybody like him again and he will be missed.”

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions player and coach Sir Ian McGeechan said: “For me growing up, Bill was the voice of rugby alongside Cliff Morgan. You will never know how many people Bill brought to the game by the way he commentated.

“He was an absolute gentleman, totally unbiased. He had the knack of always looking for the best in players and had a massive positive impact on us.

“I don’t think anyone could ever estimate just what his value has been to the game and what he has done.

“But above all Bill didn’t just have a massive impact because of rugby. It was also because of his knowledge and understanding of people.”

Scottish Rugby Union president Jim Stevenson said: “On behalf of the entire rugby community in Scotland, I want to express our heartfelt sympathies to Bette and the family but, most of all, I want to express our thanks and appreciation for the joy and fun that Bill brought to our game."

Sky Sports rugby commentator Miles Harrison told Press Association Sport: ``We actually worked together on the radio at the World Cup Sevens in 1993 at Murrayfield, which was almost my first foray into commentary on a national scale.

“It was an unbelievable experience and left a massive impression on me.

“You’re working with a person you always idolised.

“Great is an overused word in sport - and by sports commentators - though Bill would never have overused it.

“But it is a word that is very appropriate for him.”

He added: “Absolutely stunning, the quality that he had to the voice.

“You felt in safe hands, not just because of his well-known dedication and professionalism.

“When I worked with him, I thought, ’the standard that this man sets, I won’t get anywhere near that - but I’ll have a go’.”