James started his career at West where he played alongside his brothers Mark, Richie and Nicki. James made his mark as a teenager by scoring a spate of tries in the European Cup for Glasgow before grabbing a hat-trick for Scotland A in their victory over Wales at Goldenacre in 1997.
He won the first of four full caps against world champions Australia but waited four years for his next Test outing. In that year he played against Wales, England and Italy
After leaving Glasgow James played for Rotherham and Doncaster but suffered a series on injuries requiring two major thigh operations.
Hugh Barrow of Hawks said in The Herald: "James' career had been in a decline after leaving the pro-team scene and things didn't go as well as he had hoped down south. We believe there is an important role for former professional players on the club stage. Just look at the impact Cammy Mather has made at Watsonians and the same goes for Graham Shiel at Stewart's-Melville.
"James has been working as a graphic designer and is moving back to this area with his family. We are excited at the prospect of him challenging for a place in our starting line-up and believe he has a great deal to offer."