Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Phil Anderton today welcomed Heart of Midlothian Football Club’s announcement that they are to seek shareholders’ approval to play all their league, cup and European matches at Murrayfield from the start of the 2005-06 season.

Anderton said: ‘We are pleased to have concluded formally an agreement with Hearts that will see them play at Murrayfield – subject to the approval of their shareholders.

‘Today’s announcement is a perfect fit for our long-term strategy to see our first-class facilities at Murrayfield Stadium used as a platform for excellence across the leisure business, enabling us to reinvest in Scottish Rugby.

‘In the immediate future we look forward to welcoming Hearts and their supporters to Murrayfield for the UEFA Cup matches beginning next month.’

In a statement from Hearts, their chairman George Foulkes, said: ‘Murrayfield offers exceptional facilities for both players and spectators and its extended suite of corporate hospitality rooms will benefit the club.’

For further information please contact Graham Law on 0131 346 5164