THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Best rugby ground
DAVID FERGUSON
THE Scotsman's rugby correspondent shares his favourite grounds.

1 THE GREENYARDS, MELROSE RFC
Has few rivals for atmosphere and beauty when bursting at the seams with more than 12,000 people on Sevens day in April - especially when the sun shines. Nestled at the foot of the Eildon Hills, it has a glorious view, the bankings enclose the pitch neatly and the modernised stand retains its traditional charm. Inside, the club houses a unique museum of rugby over the past 150 years. No surprise it attracts far-travelled visitors all year round.

2 MURRAYFIELD, when full
Scotland's top sports stadium remains one of the most popular rugby venues in the world for players and spectators when it is full to capacity - modern, good walking space around perimeter inside and a terrific atmosphere particularly when the Calcutta Cup is in town. Stark contrast when not full, and the distance the running track creates to the action is all too clear.

3 INVERLEITH, STEWART'S MELVILLE RFC
A grand old dame of Scottish rugby, where Scotland played internationals in early 1900s, the great stand and views from Ferry Road across immaculate pitches and Edinburgh rooftops keep it among the gems of the game.

4 BURNBRAE, WEST OF SCOTLAND RFC
There is an atmosphere about Burnbrae which smells of warm rugby hospitality - maybe that's just the whisky - and the upward climb of the 1st XV in recent times is bringing the crowds back to Milngavie. Not as swish as Old Anniesland, home of rival Glasgow Hawks, but the new stand has helped improve comfort and clubrooms retain unique character.

5 RIVERSIDE PARK, JED-FOREST RFC
Sevens day in spring is best time to see this Jedburgh ground in all its glory, the bankings around the pitch filled with people and almost a circle of trees and the Jed Water enveloping them with a natural beauty. Hard to pick from age-old Borders grounds as they are all great theatres when housing a few thousand fans.

This article was posted on 25-Oct-2007, 07:48 by Hugh Barrow.