TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Scotland international who died just hours after completing a fundraising challenge.

Ken Macaulay was part of the Scotland squad which lined up against a French select in Bordeaux in 1980.

Earlier this year, the former North Berwick second row was awarded his Scotland cap at a ceremony at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

At the beginning of the month, Ken set off on a fundraising cycle to raise money for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, Prostate Scotland, Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

He covered 1,020 miles and visited the 76 clubs across Scotland where he played.

On Wednesday, he visited Heriot’s, Trinity, Leith Accies, Portobello, Edinburgh Uni, Lasswade, Penicuik, Dalkeith, Musselburgh, Preston Lodge, Ross High, Haddington and North Berwick, before ticking off Dunbar and Berwick on Friday.

READ MORE: Former Scotland rugby cap Ken Macaulay in cycle challenge

He reached the finish line in Galashiels on Saturday but sadly died just hours later.

Tributes were paid on Sunday from rugby clubs across the country.

North Berwick RFC took to social media and said: “The news was a huge shock following the successful completion of his marathon 1,000-plus-mile cycle visiting the 76 Scottish rgby grounds where he had played in his career.

“He had stopped by the club just on Wednesday for a celebratory dinner.

“Ken is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest just hours after finishing the challenge at Netherdale, Gala RFC.

“The whole club is extremely proud of Ken and his successful challenge; at the time of writing he had raised over £12,000 for his four charities.

“Our thoughts are with [wife] Pat, [son] Richard and [daughter] Joanna – and the rest of Ken’s family. We will do everything we can to support.”

Meanwhile, Ross High RFC also posted: “So sad, thinking of Ken's family and friends at this terrible time.

“Sincere condolences from Ross High RFC.”

To make a donation, go to donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kens-retrospective-challenge