Greatest Scotland team debate bringing fans together

Who starts in the greatest ever Scotland football side?

A question debated over and over, never to be fully resolved. A question that sparks memories of historic moments, mesmeric players and, more importantly, the lived and shared experiences of fans across Scotland.

As Scotland's men prepare for their first World Cup since 1998, the Football Memories initiative tasked members to pick their best XI, limited to the era between 1945 and 1998.

The real goal? Bringing people together through the beautiful game.

Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister was present as Motherwell hosted their first gathering, looking to engage people with memory conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's as well as those dealing with loneliness and isolation around a central part of community - their local football club.

The result fierce debate and a team to reckoned with.

Goram, McGrain, McLeish, Miller, Gemmell, Johnstone, Souness, Bremner, Cooper, Dalglish and Law. The greatest team of that era according to this group.

Great Scotland names, with some great names missing. McAllister was magnanimous at being left out himself despite his sterling career and qualifying for four major tournaments, missing the last of those, France '98, Scotland's most recent World Cup, through injury.

"We've had some amazing footballers over the years ," McAllister told BBC Scotland.

"People have got favourites. Law and Dalglish sounds like a great pairing, but I've put McCoist and Dalglish.

"I've also got David Cooper on the left. He was such a special player. I've got Strachan on the other side but there was Willie Henderson, there was Jimmy Johnstone. He didn't make it, but Strachan was the best player I ever played with.

"Alongside Steven Gerrard, those two were very special. It's just a shame that Gerrard wasn't Scottish. Imagine that!"

A special moment emerged as this gathering was ongoing only adding to the flood of memories being discussed.

McAllister's dad was engaged in conversation with a coach who had a young Gary at Motherwell boys club. Memories spanning near half a century. Connection, through football, bringing people together.

"I think you've got to give the clubs a bit of credit," McAllister said.

"They do spend a lot of time and they spend a bit of money trying to create these little situations where former players come along to chat with these guys as well.

"It's something that does happen right throughout the country and I think it's good work.

"We tend not to hear about these things. We see the big results and teams try to qualify for Champions League and Europa League but this is what really matters. These are the real fans.

"I think it's really beneficial," he added. "Especially for people who are maybe living alone and they don't see many people during the week.

"It's a great opportunity and football is such a big part of the community."

On that point you'd likely get universal agreement. On the greatest Scotland side, probably not.