Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Murrayfield Stadium stands as a testament to Scotland’s deep-rooted passion for rugby. This iconic venue, the largest stadium in Scotland seating 67,144 people, isn't just a sports arena—it's a place where history is made, from the thunderous roars of devoted fans to the unforgettable moments on the pitch. Since its opening in 1925, Murrayfield has hosted countless rugby matches, including the legendary encounters of the Six Nations Championship, becoming a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence. Whether you're a die-hard rugby enthusiast or a curious traveller, a visit to Murrayfield promises an experience steeped in tradition and excitement.

MURRAYFIELD STADIUM TOURS AND AFTERNOON TEA

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Murrayfield Stadium for an exclusive VIP Behind the Scenes tour. This iconic venue, revered as the home of Scottish rugby, revealed its secrets as I wandered through its hallowed halls and stood pitch-side, imagining the thunderous roar of the crowd on match day. The experience was elevated even further with a delightful addition—a sumptuous Afternoon Tea. This new offering, available to visitors following the Men's 6 Nations in March 2025, will provide the perfect capstone to an unforgettable day. With its elegant spread of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and an array of exquisite pastries, the Afternoon Tea at Murrayfield promises to be a delightful treat for both rugby aficionados and culinary enthusiasts alike.

I had the pleasure of experiencing a whirlwind, abbreviated version of the Murrayfield Stadium tour, which typically spans an immersive 90 minutes. Even in the condensed format, the tour was a captivating journey through 150 years of rugby history. I marveled at the storied Calcutta Cup and felt the palpable sense of anticipation stepping into the Scottish rugby team's changing rooms. The tour also introduced me to the new Bill McLaren Room—a tribute to the legendary rugby commentator—along with his office and the press gallery, offering a glimpse into the world behind the broadcast. One of the most exhilarating moments was walking through the tunnel and emerging onto the pitch, imagining the energy and excitement that fills the stadium on match days. Despite its brevity, this shortened tour provided a rich, behind-the-scenes look at the home of Scottish rugby, leaving me eager for more.

After braving the crisp but sunny day outside, it was an absolute delight to step back into the warmth of the Scotland Suite. Here, I was treated to a sneak peek and first taste of their newly introduced Afternoon Tea. The cosy, elegant setting provided a perfect refuge from the chill, and the spread laid out before us was nothing short of spectacular.

The selection of pastries and sweet treats was impressive, each one a testament to the skill and creativity of the chefs. We enjoyed mini Salted Caramel Eclairs, Lemon Meringue pies, mini Rose Cheesecakes and Scones with clotted cream and raspberry preserve.

As for the Savoury, we tucked into free range egg and cress mini Brioche Buns, Sandwiches with fillings of honey glazed ham, tomato, mustard and mayonnaise; smoked salmon and cucumber; and hummus and piquilla pepper and pork and sage with caramelised onion mini Sausage Rolls.

THE FOUR PHOTOS ABOVE WERE TAKEN BY PHOTOGRAPHER : Craig Heaslip

As I savoured each sip of my perfectly brewed cup of tea, the afternoon took a delightful turn with another engaging Q&A session with Scotland Rugby stars Pierre Schoeman and Darcy Graham. Their candid insights into what transpires behind the scenes offered a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the team. They shared personal anecdotes from the changing rooms, revealing the camaraderie and rituals that bond the players. Listening to them recount their proudest moments on the field was truly inspiring, as they spoke with passion and pride about their achievements and the honour of representing Scotland. It was an absolute treat to hear from these accomplished athletes, making the experience even more memorable and enriching.

In conclusion, the Behind the Scenes tour of Murrayfield Stadium offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heartbeat of Scottish rugby. Every aspect of the tour is steeped in tradition and pride. The added bonus of an elegant Afternoon Tea, paired with engaging interactions with rugby legends, creates an experience that is both enriching and memorable. I can't help but feel that this new addition to the Murrayfield tour experience will be a resounding success, offering guests a chance to relax and savour the finer things in life after their exciting behind-the-scenes adventure.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE MURRAYFIELD STADIUM TOUR

• The Afternoon Tea will only be available as part of the tour from March 2025.

• You can enjoy the tour as an individual, couple, group or a private tour.

• There are two types of tours depending on the day of the week. Time slots and cost varies.

• Time slots for Off Peak Tours (Monday to Thursday) are 11am and 2pm. Costs are - Adult £15.00, Senior or Student £12, Youth (15-18) and wheelchair user + carer £10, Under 5 free.

• Time slots for Peak Tours (Friday to Sunday) are 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Costs are Adult £18.00, Senior or Student £15, Youth (15-18) and wheelchair user + carer £13, Under 5 free.

• The tour is wheelchair accessible, but please do inform them when booking.

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. www.scottishrugby.org