Matchday Meanders with Rhona Lloyd

Tell us about your relationship with the city?​

I was born and raised in Edinburgh. I went to Tynecastle High School which is a stone’s throw from Scottish Gas Murrayfield, and I started playing rugby on the back pitches. I grew up watching Edinburgh Rugby and we’d go to Scotland games too. There was a time where our tickets were the very back row in the stadium, you couldn’t get any further back. So, I very much grew up in Edinburgh, connected to Murrayfield and the city. ​

​Why is Edinburgh a great place for a Guinness Women’s Six Nations weekend?​

Edinburgh is the perfect place for a Six Nations weekend because there is loads to do, it is a city that loves rugby, and the city centre is beautiful. It has so much history, so much green space and there’s something for everybody. It’s a fantastic city to visit and even better if there’s a Six Nations game on.​

​Where would you suggest fans go for the best pre-match coffee?​

I’d suggest fans go to The Milkman. It is one that is very hyped up on social media, but I do think it’s a fantastic coffee shop. There’s two of them on Cockburn Street and I love that street. It’s one of my favourite streets in the city and it’s a great place to get a coffee and go for a wander down the Royal Mile to take in the atmosphere of the city and listen to some bagpipes before the match.

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How about a post-match meal?​

I recommend Ting Thai Caravan. I think it’s really good value for money. You get a lot of food and its really good food. Again, it’s in a cute area of the city, up near Edinburgh University where I studied, so it was a bit of a staple when I was there. They do a fantastic lunch deal if you want to go before the match and I recommend you get the rotis. They are incredible!​

And a post-match pint?​

I would try and get your hands on an Irn-Bru Sour. You can get this at The Black Cat on Rose Street and there’s a lot of really good pubs on that street. It’s good vibes, really cute and the Irn-Bru Sour is delicious.

​Where would you go on a Saturday for brunch?​

For brunch, Greenwood’s on Frederick Street. It does really good portions – you’ll definitely be full before the match. Again, a lovely area of town but Edinburgh has so many lovely areas, so I’ll say that for everywhere.​

​Non-game day activity? ​

I’d recommend going out to Swanston Farm if you can to see the Highland cows. You really feel like you are in Scotland once you’ve seen a Highland cow! My favourite area in the city  is the Grassmarket. I recommend having a walk up the Vennel steps to get a great view of the castle or get some takeaway food and sit on the castle steps. It’s always got good vibes and a good buzz around there. At the weekend there’s a little market that you can pick up some local Edinburgh products from, so it’s definitely worth checking out.​

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Bonus local top tip? ​

My local tip would be heading up Calton Hill for sunset. It’s not a very long walk and it has great 360° views of the city. You can see Arthur’s Seat, you can see the city centre and you can see the water out by the beach. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset on a clear day. I can’t promise any good weather though!

​And where should fans be when the anthems start? ​

When then anthems start you need to be in your seats at Hive Stadium! Get ready to join in with Loch Lomond afterwards too, that’s always a special moment on game day.