Cairns was also capped at international level, making eight Scotland appearances. He made his international debut in a British Home Championship match against Wales on 26 February 1920 and he scored in a 1–1 draw.
Cairns earned eight caps for the Scottish national team, representing them internationally. His first international appearance was in a British Home Championship game against Wales on February 26, 1920, where he contributed to a 1-1 tie.