Six Nations expected to generate more than £52 million for the economy
The economic impact of the Six Nations rugby tournament in Scotland this year is expected to top the £52 million previously generated by the event, tourism agency VisitScotland has said.
Scotland will host its first fixture of the championship at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday when the team takes on England.
It will also host a home game against France on Sunday March 13.
Both matches are expected to see thousands of travelling home and away fans flock to the capital.
A 2014 report by sponsor RBS found that in a typical season, visitors to Edinburgh for the matches generated £52 million of revenue for Scotland's economy, £30 million of which was for Edinburgh's economy.
The RBS research showed £35 million (£24 million in Edinburgh) of this comes from spending by visitors who attend the matches and their family and friends who accompany them.
Around £17 million (£6 million in Edinburgh) comes from spending on hotels, restaurants and bars.
Even higher impact figures are expected this year, with Scottish Rugby selling out Murrayfield in record time for both games.
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland's chief executive, said: The RBS Six Nations games always create an exciting and friendly atmosphere in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
These world-class sporting events provide more than just entertainment, they represent a multi-million pound tourism opportunity which delivers economic, cultural and social benefits.''