HALL OF FAME

James Aitchison was born in Kilmarnock and made his first class debut in 1946. Along with John Kerr, he holds the record of being the only Scottish player to score a century against full test-playing sides.

Only two other players have appeared more times in first class cricket for Scotland, and he holds the team’s record for most career runs and highest individual score. In the match against Ireland in 1959 he batted throughout the first day to make 190 not out.

At the time of his retirement, Aitchison had notched up the highest number of international caps for Scotland-69 and also easily the highest run aggregate in such matches 3,699.

Aitchison is best remembered for the unique feat of making two centuries against the touring teams; but five other centuries in his 69 capped internationals, and 30,318 runs in all matches make up an impressive tally.

In club cricket for Kilmarnock he made 18,344 runs with 56 centuries.

He served as a minister in the Church of Scotland for 34 years until his retirement in 1986.