Open Era
Heriot's FP went “open” in 1974, allowing a limited number of non-Herioters to become members. This move heralded a spectacular period of consistent success in an increasingly competitive East League. The championship was won eight times between 1974 and 1983, including seven successive titles from 1977 on. In addition the Club took the Scottish Cup in 1978, defeating ancient rivals Watsonians at Hamilton Crescent. Key recruits included internationalist opening bowlers in Peter Rhind, Eric Thompson and Jack Ker, alongside batsman Andrew Ker (who was first capped from the Club). George Goddard and Hamish More continued amongst the leading players in Scotland throughout, and two other home-grown Herioters, spinners Richard Rodger and Euan McIntyre, were also capped in this remarkable period. Heriot’s strength in depth was also apparent in the Second XI’s four Grade A titles between 1971 and 1982.
The run-up to the Club’s celebration of its centenary season in 1989 was not so successful in terms of league titles and trophies, although the Second XI won the Grade A league again in 1988 (including a “10-for” performance by Dave McDougall). The centenary was marked not only by a cricket week blessed with fine weather and good matches, but also by publication of a detailed Club history which has since been enthusiastically reviewed by no less than best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith Alexander mccall smith (see his Love over Scotland (2006) p. 18). The interior of the Goldenacre pavilion, including the bar area, was modernised by the Heriot Trust in a further marking of the Club’s century.
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