Career
Born in Merryton, Lanarkshire, Cairns" made his name in Junior football, helping Burnbank Athletic to the Scottish Junior Cup in 1911. He also appeared for Larkhall Thistle before earning an opportunity in the senior leagues. His first professional club was Bristol City where he played for two seasons from 1911.
He joined Peebles Rovers in 1913 and had a short spell with Street Johnstone before joining Rangers in November 1913.
Cairns was a regular in the Rangers team the following season, missing just one league game. Cairns was an ever present in Rangers" first League title for five years, and scored 11 goals.
Cairns enjoyed further League title successes in 1919-1920, 1920-1921, 1922-1923, 1923-1924, 1924-1925 and 1926-1927 before joining Bradford City in 1927. He retired from football in 1932 and later worked as a scout for Arsenal.
Cairns was also capped at international level, making eight Scotland appearances.
He made his international debut in a British Home Championship match against Wales on 26 February 1920 and he scored in a 1–1 draw. During his international career, he was never on the losing team, winning six games and drawing two. Cairns also represented the Scottish League XI.