DAVID SOLE

As Scotland prepare for the first of their summer tour internationals this week in Canada, the SRU announced that they have submitted planning permission for a new ground with a 3G surface and a capacity of up to 7,800 fans on the back pitches at Murrayfield.

This was combined with a “rebranding” exercise for Edinburgh, who will play their home matches there from the 2019/20 season.

Finding a home that is “right-sized” for Edinburgh has been a longstanding issue for the SRU ever since the capital side was established.

They have played at Myreside, Meadowbank and Murrayfield, as well as other venues in the capital, but have never had a proper home, much to the chagrin of fans and players.

Last season it looked like the move to Myreside would establish Edinburgh on the south side of the city, but halfway through this season the agreement was torn up and Edinburgh returned to Murrayfield, which can be a soulless place to play. So this move to the back pitches makes great sense, although it will be interesting to see what proposals there are for an Edinburgh clubhouse – such a building being a key part of any club for socialising before and after matches.

Also, the plan involved a 3G pitch, similar to the one at Scotstoun. The Glasgow pitch came in for a great deal of criticism from the Scarlets players after the Pro14 play-off game, with many Scarlets players complaining of serious burns and abrasions. It’s a shame that they did not opt for the same playing surface as the big pitch at Murrayfield, but the move to give Edinburgh a proper home for the first time in their history has to be applauded. Hopefully, in time, it will have an atmosphere to rival Glasgow’s at Scotstoun.

On the downside, however, is the new rebranding for Edinburgh which has come in for a great deal of criticism already. While it is suggested that the logo and colours are returning to their roots, I for one, can never recall a time when Edinburgh had burnt orange in their strips or colours – it was always red. Similarly, the logo itself gives the appearance of an inverted piece of Lego, rather than the castle that sits proudly in the centre of the city.

Reactions have mostly been negative, but opinions are always divided on logos and design given judgements are usually subjective. Having said that, it would be interesting to know just how much this redesign cost as usually these sorts of things don’t come cheap. Over time, people will become used to the logo – the most important thing is that they will have a permanent home.

On the downside ... is the new rebranding for Edinburgh