The 37-year-old is just hours away from his last match as a professional - The Borders' Celtic League fixture with Munster at Netherdale on Friday.

The occasion will be an emotional one for Armstrong, and also for another Scotland legend, Doddie Weir, who is also retiring.

Former Scotland coach Ian McGeechan, who is now director of rugby said: "The first time I was involved with Gary was when he played for the Scotland B team against Italy in 1988. It's fair to say he exploded onto the scene.

"I would rate him not just as one of the best players to play for Scotland but as one of the best-ever people to represent his country.

"I wish I could have bottled what he has got and put it into every player that pulls on a Scotland jersey.

"He has had a phenomenal career. He has led by example, both on the match field and in training.

"Those who have played with him would rate him as highly as any scrum-half in the world.

"Pound for pound he was probably the bravest player to play for Scotland and any coach would have wanted him from any era or any generation to have worn the thistle.''

Armstrong said: "My career has probably lasted longer than most people's, but this was always going to be my last team and I was very lucky to get these two years with The Borders.

"I always said I wanted to finish my career in the Borders, so it's been a good experience.''

There were tears when Armstrong bowed out of international rugby following the 1999 World Cup game against the All Blacks at Murrayfield, and he anticipated the same on Friday.

He said: "I'm always a wee bit emotional. It's hard to say goodbye to people you've worked closely with, but I've had eight years as a professional and I really think I've had the best of both worlds, having played for a long time as an amateur and then as the game went professional.

"I'll continue to follow The Borders and I wish them well. The first year with the team was really good, while this year was more difficult in terms of trying to compete in the Celtic League. We struggled, and that's frustrating because you want to be competing and winning. To be competitive we just needed more quality players - it's as simple as that.''