Stevenson remains Scots president

Stevenson (centre) saw off competition from Calder and Gracie

Jim Stevenson has been re-elected as president of the Scottish Rugby Union in a closely-fought contest.

The 53-year-old saw off the challenge of former Scotland and British Lions captain Finlay Calder after a second ballot at Murrayfield.

Calder had 82 votes after round one, with Stevenson on 81 and Jim Gracie receiving 16.

With Gracie dropping out, Stevenson picked up 92 votes, with Calder trailing behind on 87.

Earlier at the annual meeting Scottish Rugby's chief executive Gordon McKie announced break-even figures for the third consecutive year, a reduction in debt and plans for increased funding at club level.

It was a year of mixed fortunes for Scotland on the pitch, with another poor Six Nations campaign.

Head coach Frank Hadden stood down after winning just one match for the third consecutive season, with Andy Robinson taking over.

The former England boss has since overseen victory for Scotland A at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania.

On the Sevens circuit, the Scots did not fare well until the last two rounds, in London and Edinburgh, where they reached the semi-finals of the main event for the first time.

Edinburgh, who are now seeking a replacement for Robinson, enjoyed a second-place finish in the Magners League.

Glasgow were disappointed to end up seventh but combined home crowds at the pro-teams were up by 45% over the term.

And a series of high-profile events at Murrayfield have helped swell the coffers of the game's ruling body.

Rugby League's Magic Weekend, the Heineken Cup final and the IRB Sevens were all staged at the home of Scottish rugby in May.

On finances, McKie said: "We achieved an overall break-even position for the third successive year.

"We increased our turnover by £1.6m and average bank borrowings for the year were £14.9m, compared to the previous year's £18.4m.

"Our year end back debt of £13.3m is significantly below the April 2008 year-end figure of £17.6m."

With finances in rude health, Scottish Rugby will increase club support funding by 20% to £1.6m for the 2009-2010 season.

"We are pleased that we will once again be able to increase funding to the grassroots game in the season ahead as investment here is critical to us achieving our strategic targets," added McKie.

"Our plan has set a target of 38,000 players by 2012 and we have been pleased with the growth of our sport over the past year.

"Since our development restructure in 2006, the total number of adults playing rugby has risen by around 21% (from approximately 24,200 to 30,500), while the number of under-18s, boys and girls now playing regularly across Scotland has risen by about 24% (from 15,200 to 20,000).