Fans heading to watch Scotland kick off their Guinness Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield tomorrow are being reminded to plan travel ahead.
Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to descend upon the BT Murrayfield Stadium this Saturday (2 February, kick off 2.15pm), where Scotland will take on Italy for their first, sold-out match of the tournament.
To ensure pedestrian safety and minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian management will be implemented around the Haymarket Station area on the day. Like the Autumn Test fixtures last year there will be no route back to the city centre and Haymarket Station via Balbirnie Place/Haymarket Yards. Pedestrians heading along Russell Road will be directed to Dalry Road as an alternative.
The Council is working closely with Police Scotland to keep road and pedestrian traffic moving smoothly before and after the game.
Edinburgh Trams will be running additional services up to every three minutes to the Stadium, while several Lothian bus routes also serve Murrayfield, with further information available on their website.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “We’ve reached that exciting time of year again, when tens of thousands of supporters converge on the Capital to cheer on Scotland – and nations from further afield.
“We want fans to enjoy the matches as much as possible so would encourage everyone to follow travel advice and road closures, making sure they get to the stadium in plenty of time. Come on Scotland!”
Transport arrangements will remain in place during subsequent Six Nations home games – Scotland v Italy (2 February) and Scotland v Ireland (9 February) – when spectators are encouraged to follow the same travel advice.
Supporters must allow plenty of extra time for their journey to the game.
Information about getting to and from BT Murrayfield Stadium by bus, tram or rail for Six Nations matches can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.
Full details of temporary road closures and parking restrictions are available on the Council website.
Scotland get off to what should be a fairly straightforward start when they face tournament outsiders Italy tomorrow and it would be a major surprise if Scotland doesn’t top the Six Nations table after the first round of games.
It will get considerably tougher thereafter, though – current world number ones Ireland are up next. I don’t think Scotland will be strong enough to win the Six Nations this World Cup year – but we could well play a major role in deciding who does. It should be a great tournament.
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