Background
Macrae was born in Balmacara in 1914 and attended primary school in Auchtertyre, walking several kilometres to and from school.
Macrae was born in Balmacara in 1914 and attended primary school in Auchtertyre, walking several kilometres to and from school.
University of Street Andrews.
He went to boarding school at the Edinburgh Academy between 1925 and 1933 before going to the University of Street Andrews to study medicine graduating in 1939. He also played club rugby for Street Andrews University, and attracted attention for his skill and sportsmanship leading to a tour with the Barbarians. Macrae played his first test for Scotland against the Wales in 1937.
His best season was in 1938 scoring a try against the Irish The highlight of the season was a victory against the English at Twickenham securing the Triple Crown for Scotland.
Macrae formed a great backline combination with Wilson Shaw and Charles Dick for Scotland. He played in 11 of the first 15 matches of the tour including the first test in Johannesburg but injury ended his tour prematurely.
His rugby career was ended by World World War World War II
In January 1940, he went to France with the 51st Highland Division serving at medical officer He volunteered to serve as medical officer at Stalag VIII-B, Lamsdorf, Upper Silesia.
On his return to Scotland, Macrae practised as a doctor in Dingwall for 30 years before retiring to Gairloch.
Macrae was a keen churchgoer as well as serving as president of the Ross Sutherland Rugby Football Club and the Caberfeidh Curling Club. Macrae died in May 2007 in Gairloch.
Macrae"s good form led to selection as a member of the 1938 British Lions tour to South Africa.