Rugby lifts Scots economy

Evening News - Friday, September 04, 2009 12:35 PM

Upcoming events at the stadium include three international test matches in November against Australia, Fiji and Argentina, as well as Six Nations fixtures against England and France.

IT IS fair to say that Scotland's rugby team has enjoyed mixed fortunes of late on the hallowed Murrayfield turf.

But the performance of the players is in stark contrast to that of the national stadium itself, which has provided a much-needed shot in the arm for the local economy.

New figures show Murrayfield brought in almost £130 million (F$427/8m) for the Scottish economy last season, and £72.9m (F$239/9m) for Edinburgh alone.

Two separate studies of the stadium's economic impact, published yesterday, show that events such as the RBS Six Nations and Heineken Cup provided a cash cow for the
city during the economic downturn.

The importance of such events to the city's coffers, however, seems to lend them a weight which smaller gatherings do not have, providing a welcome boost for the city's hotels, restaurants and bars.

In May, three events – the Heineken Cup, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s Festival and the engage Super League Magic Weekend – brought in some £36m (F$118.45) between them.

Much of the rest of the income last season came from a series of autumn test matches and Scotland's RBS 6 Nations fixtures against Wales, Italy and Ireland.

Upcoming events at the stadium include three international test matches in November against Australia, Fiji and Argentina, as well as Six Nations fixtures against England and France.

However, there are currently no plans for any concerts and next year's Heineken Cup final, which generated an estimated £22m (F$71.8m) for the Scottish economy, is to be played in Paris.

Scottish Rugby's chief executive, Gordon McKie, says: "Murrayfield Stadium is so much more than the spiritual home of the national team.

"It's a massive generator of significant revenue to Edinburgh and the surrounding communities and the experiences visitors enjoy here encourage them to return to Scotland.

"On the back of a fantastic month in May, and looking ahead, our aim is to bring more world-class events to the stadium and thus enable the benefits to be shared in the wider community and Scotland."

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development convener, adds: "Despite these difficult times, thousands of rugby fans travelled from all over the UK and beyond to watch the matches, soak up the carnival atmosphere and spend money in our hotels, restaurants and nightlife, giving a welcome boost to Scotland and Edinburgh's economy.

Stadium bosses say recent investment in big-screen technology will allow them to bring more and more events, while income generated can be reinvested in rugby at all levels across Scotland.

Yesterday's figures were released following two economic impact reports which were conducted last season, the first by Napier University and the second by consultancy firm EKOS.

Councillor Jeremy Balfour, who represents Corstorphine and Murrayfield, says non-rugby events bring in less income because they attract fewer people from further afield.

"I recognise the importance of Murrayfield for sporting events," he says, "but we have concerns about some concerts.

"For the big rugby matches people will arrive and spend two or three days in the city, going to bars and restaurants. For concerts, at best, you might get somebody staying for one night."

While concerns remain about concerts, the economic benefits of international rugby fixtures has and will continue to be an important source of tourist income for the city.

While future concerts may be kicked into touch by nervous licensing chiefs, the importance of rugby to businesses in the city will remain.

THE CASH ROLLS IN
Heineken Cup final – £22 million (F$71.857m)
Super League Magic Weekend – £11 million (F$35.72m)
Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s Festival – £3 million (F$9.79m)
All fixtures – £129.9 million (F$424.1292m)