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Rugby business benefits spread across Scotland

Rugby business benefits spread across Scotland

Hostilities with the Auld Enemy resume this evening – but a new study has revealed that Scotland will win today, regardless of the result at Murrayfield.

Experts have estimated that this year’s six nations championship will be worth more than £50million to the Scottish economy.

While Edinburgh is expected to enjoy the lion’s share – £30million – another £22million will be spent in bars, restaurants and hotels across the rest of the country.

The study by tournament sponsor RBS found that across all six nations that take part – Scotland, England, France, Ireland, Italy and Wales – it is worth a total of £375million.

The financial boost comes at a time of year when the tourism industry is usually quiet, and the spending generates the equivalent of 430 Scottish jobs, according to RBS.

Home and away supporters spend around £9million in bars and restaurants, £6million on hotels and £3million in shops, with further amounts spent on travel and tickets, the bank said.

The Scotland team are preparing for their first home match of the championship against England today and also play France in Edinburgh on March 8.

The economic impact of the tournament was measured by ticket and hospitality prices, the number of visitors to Edinburgh and their average expenditure, and the money spent by businesses to increase supplies during match days.

TV audiences for the tournament have increased in the last decade, with Scotland’s home games attracting 19million people in total last year.

The exposure of the competition attracts revenue from other sponsors, generating additional economic benefits, RBS said.

Stephen Boyle, head of economics at the bank, said: “The RBS 6 Nations is more than just a tournament with 15 games of rugby.

“The boost to the economy and the local businesses is very real, especially during what is usually a quiet time in the tourist season,” added Mr Boyle.