Murrayfield Stadium celebrates 100 years, and to mark the occasion Scottish Rugby has released a new playing top, paying homage to those worn a century ago.
For a century, Murrayfield has been more than just a stadium,it’s been the beating heart of Scottish rugby, echoing with triumph, heartbreak, and hope. It stands as a symbol of national pride, uniting generations through the shared rhythm of the game.
I thought it would be fitting to take a trip back through my own experiences of the stadium, the matches that stand out for me and the memories that have made Murrayfield such a special place in my life.
Murrayfield has always held a special place in my heart. I’vebeen lucky enough to attend matches there since I was a young boy, going along with my family or on big club trips with the Cartha Queens Park Minis.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching the world’s best teams play at Murrayfield and witnessing some unforgettable Scottish victories.
This autumn, Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentinaand Tonga for the Autumn Series. All eyes will, of course, be on New Zealand, a team Scotland have never beaten. The closest we’ve come were two draws, both at Murrayfield, in 1964 (0–0) and 1983 (25–25). That’s 32 Tests in total: 30 All Black wins, 0 Scotland wins, and 2 draws.
Could this November finally be the time? Some say Scotland have their best chance yet, with the All Blacks not at their dominant best, though still ranked No. 2 in the world while Scotland sit at No. 8. But Murrayfield is a special place in November, a place where upsets can happen.
Beginnings at Murrayfield
When I was 16, I started working for Scottish Rugby as a Modern Apprentice, a two-year programme that set me on the path I’m still on today, working in Rugby Development for West of Scotland FC, a club celebrating its own milestone: 160 years of rugby.
My very first day as an apprentice was spent at Murrayfield, meeting in one of the suites. I couldn’t believe my luck. We were given a brief tour of the stadium, quiet and still, unlike those electric matchdays. My excitement grew even further when I was told that part of the apprenticeship included two complimentary tickets to every Scotland home game.
My parents had taken me and my brothers to Murrayfield for years, with tickets often coming through school or club connections. I was lucky enough to be there for Scotland’s victories over France and England in 2006, the first time I truly felt that spark of Scottish hope: maybe we could really compete in the Six Nations.
That hope still burns bright, rising and falling each year. Maybe 2026 will be our year with the same fixtures as 2006, England and France both at home.
Those two tickets from Scottish Rugby would continue to bring me joy for many years, as I remained involved in the game and worked alongside the organisation for over 16 years. I’ve attended countless Six Nations matches and even more Autumn Tests. I feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed so much rugby at Murrayfield.
A Brief History
Murrayfield Stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland, the fifth largest in the UK, and the 22nd largest in Europe, with a capacity of 67,144. It officially opened on 21 March 1925 with a Scotland v England match, Scotland won that day and secured the Grand Slam. Not a bad start for their new home!
The land was purchased by the SRU from Edinburgh Polo Club. Before Murrayfield, international matches were played at Inverleith, the home of Stewart’s Melville RFC, from 1899. However, Inverleith could no longer accommodate the growing number of spectators.
During the Second World War, Murrayfield was offered to the nation and used as a supply depot by the Royal Army Service Corps.
The record attendance at Murrayfield came on 1 March 1975, when Scotland defeated Wales 12–10 in the Five Nations — a world record crowd at the time.
Over the years, the stadium has evolved dramatically. The original stands gave way to modern concrete terraces, floodlights were added in the 1950s, and the East Stand was rebuilt in the 1980s to increase capacity. More recently, upgrades to seating, hospitality areas, and accessibility have ensured Murrayfield remains one of Europe’s premier rugby venues while preserving its traditional character.
Over the years, Murrayfield has undergone many transformations and upgrades to become the stadium we know today. Those who remember the old ground will always feel a deep nostalgia for it, especially as the glory days on the pitch were more frequent back then.
For me, though, the current stadium is my Murrayfield, from watching my first match there in 2003 (a World Cup warm-up against Ireland) to coaching West of Scotland Women in a Shield Final. The ground holds a special place in my life, as I’m sure it does for thousands of others.
My Top Games
Scotland v South Africa | 2010 | Autumn Tests
One of my favourite Murrayfield memories came in 2010, when Scotland hosted the reigning world and Tri Nations champions, South Africa. Scotland edged a scrappy 21–17 win in wet conditions.
Unlike today, where we’re spoiled with tries, those 21 points came entirely from the boot of Dan Parks, six penalties and a drop goal. Parks was a player who divided opinion, sometimes cheered, sometimes booed, but on this day, he was the hero. Beating the world champions reignited that familiar Scottish flame of hope once again.
Scotland v Australia | 2017 | Autumn Tests
In 2017, Scotland tore Australia apart, winning 53–24, a match packed with attacking flair and confidence. A red card for Australia just before half-time (while they were leading 12–10) swung the momentum entirely.
Tries came from everywhere: Ali Price darting through, Sean Maitland sprinting 50 metres, Johnny Gray strolling under the posts, a young Huw Jones scoring yet again, John Barclay bulldozing over, and Stuart McInally finishing from a rolling maul.
It was a try-fest, something rare at Murrayfield, especially against the top sides.
Ironically, I wasn’t there. Having seen Scotland lose to Australia the previous year, I’d given my tickets away and watched from the pub with my Shawlands FP teammates. Even the landlord, who’d promised free pints if Scotland won, didn’t believe it would happen!
Scotland v France | 2006 | Six Nations
My first Six Nations match, or at least the first I vividly remember. We were high up in the stands, but there’s truly no bad seat at Murrayfield.
Sean Lamont scored twice, once from a darting run inside the French 22, the other from a rolling maul. Chris Paterson added the rest from the tee. It was a gritty, determined Scottish performance, and it lit a lifelong love for Murrayfield. As we left, the crowd chanted “Bring on the English!” Hope was sky-high.
Scotland v England | 2006 | Six Nations
My first Scotland v England match. Scotland hadn’t beaten England since 2000 — another Murrayfield victory.
This match wasn’t one for try highlights. Points came from Paterson’s penalties, and a Dan Parks drop goal, securing an 18–12 win. The atmosphere was electric, Flower of Scotland echoing around the stands. The only comparable noise I’veever experienced is when Scotland play the All Blacks.
Since then, I’ve seen plenty more Scotland–England encounters a few wins, a draw in 2008, and a fair share of defeats but one more stands out…
Scotland v England | 2018 | Six Nations
In 2018, I took my dad to Murrayfield for another England match. What a game. Not just because of the win, but because of the sheer quality of rugby on display.
The year before, England had thrashed Scotland 61–21 at Twickenham. There was tension everywhere as Eddie Jones’ side arrived as defending champions. But Scotland rose to the occasion.
Finn Russell’s brilliance was on full display, that looping pass to Huw Jones will live long in memory, opening the English defence and sending the crowd wild. When the final whistle blew, I didn’t want to leave.
The Fans
I began watching Scotland in 2003, not exactly our golden era. There have been plenty of defeats along the way, some honourable, others heartbreaking.
I used to joke that opposition fans voted Murrayfield the best away ground because they were guaranteed a win. Harsh, but for a while, true. Thankfully, not anymore.
The camaraderie between fans, though, has always been world-class.
I remember sitting with my brother during the 2011 Scotland v Wales match. Wales were at their Six Nations peak. Even down to 13 men, they defended ferociously. Surrounded by Welsh fans singing Bread of Heaven, we were teased with chants of “Are you Italy in disguise?” I couldn’t help but laugh, the banter and sportsmanship were pure rugby.
In 2016, after Scotland beat France 29–18, I walked back towards Haymarket and found myself among French supporters playing impromptu street rugby. When their ball got stuck in a tree, someone threw a shoe to knock it down,only for the shoe to get stuck too! Fans from both sides hoisted him up to retrieve it, laughter all around. A French fan shared his wine with me, and though we didn’t share a language, we shared the joy of rugby.
In 2015, against Italy, Scotland lost 22–19. My brother and I sat among Italian fans. When the match ended, they shook our hands, shared their delight and posed for photos. That’s the beauty of Murrayfield, the friendships and memories that go beyond the result.
As Murrayfield turns 100, it remains what it’s always been, a home for hope, heartbreak, and the unshakable pride of Scottish rugby.
