Set off sharp for Murrayfield this afternoon

Tens of thousands of spectators will descend upon the BT Murrayfield Stadium for the 2.15pm kick off, where Scotland will seek to get their disappointing Six Nations campaign back on track following consecutive defeats by Ireland and France. The Welsh legions travel north with confidence sky high following a fine vicory over England and a Grand Slam a distinct possibility. The match is, of course, a sellout.

To ensure pedestrian safety and minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian management will be implemented around the Haymarket Station area on the day. 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!”

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 the game can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.

Full details of temporary road closures and parking restrictions are available on the Council website.

The  visitors are seeking their thirteenth straight win and were (perhaps mischievously) described by England head coach Eddie Jones as the ‘greatest Welsh team ever’.

High praise indeed, but can Scotland bring the awesome Welsh juggernaut to a juddering halt? Even if cutting out the usual mistakes, the handling errors, the missed passes, the concession of daft penalties; even if we got everything right on the day … it’s unlikely.