Cooch's Six Nations Guide - Scotland

Weekends on the piss in the Athens of the North

Every other week for the next 3 months in the lead up to the 2010 Six Nations tournament we will be bringing you former England and British Lions prop, and part time Gullivers Mouthpiece, Gareth 'Cooch' Chilcott's guide to the Six Nations. Gareth will be bringing us some of his memories of the action on the field and leading the way off the field by giving us directions to some of the great drinking holes you should try out. First up Edinburgh...

Balls and Mauls remembers when he was a little nipper and Grampa Mauls used to tell him about the fortress that was Murrayfield. Baby Balls used to sit on Gampa's knee wide eyed about the stories of when Scotland was a fortress for visiting teams. Although those days are gone for now, it won't be long before they return again and with Andy Robinson steering the ship then it's well worth a visit. And after beating Australia in the Autumn Internationals the Scots will be on a high and looking to take on all comers.

"Murrayfield is an intimidating place to go. There's nothing like a Scotland England game, there's always an edge and Scotland take it very seriously," said Gareth Chilcott. "The morale of the nation is lifted if Scotland can beat England once every ten years." He added tongue firmly in cheek, which is easy for a man to say who never lost in Edinburgh."

Edinburgh itself is a fantastic city steeped in history and culture (all of which is wasted on the Scots!) and well worth a trip. They say you're never alone in an Edinburgh pub and on a rugby weekend that's certainly true. You'll be welcomed in any pub or restaurant after the game. And if you want to go further afield during your time, there are several distilleries just a short ride away.

However, located next to Edinburgh Castle is the Scotch Whisky Experience, which has recently undergone a major £3m tour refurbishment. Where you can find out how the water of life is produced and one of the experienced Tour Guides will take guests through the differences in characteristics between whiskies from the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside and Islands.

But best of all you get to taste some! The tour costs £11. Ticket Prices start at £30 but if you're not a jock make sure you're in the away end.

6 Nations Games being held in Scotland for 2010:
Scotland v France
Scotland v England