A MORE than 50-year wait for a Scotland cap will finally come to an end for John Hamilton this weekend.

The keen sportsman played badminton at county level during the 1960s and came close to a call-up to the nation’s under-21s’ team.

The father-of-two is also a keen bowler and golfer, as well as enjoying squash, curling and tennis.

Now, at the age of 79, he will represent Scotland in bridge at the Senior Camrose, which takes place over three days in Wales.

John, a member of Dunbar Bridge Club, said: “I have been saying to my colleagues in the bridge world and keep telling them about not getting selected for under-21s.

“I have got one goal, one possibility to play for my country at this level, in bridge.

“Now, I have achieved it and I am really cock-a-hoop.

“I cannot believe it is happening.”

East Lothian Courier: John Hamilton will represent Scotland in bridge over this weekendJohn Hamilton will represent Scotland in bridge over this weekend

Scotland will be looking to retain the Teltscher Trophy, which they won last year for the first time since 2018.

The competition, which features Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and two teams from host country Wales, gets under way tomorrow (Friday).

John, who lives between Gladsmuir and Haddington, will be partnered by Paul Maiolani, from Glasgow.

John, who spent 30 years with the Royal Bank of Scotland before purchasing an Edinburgh guesthouse with wife Muriel, believed it would all come down to who was best on the day.