New dining experiences add a fitting tribute to 100 years of Murrayfield

17 Dec 2025

As the centenary celebrations at Scottish Gas Murrayfield throughout 2025 quietly add themselves to its rich history, Scottish Rugby today formally opens two beautiful dining rooms as a lasting nod to the numerous sporting and human stories that have been a feature of our iconic stadium.

The Milne brothers, Kenny and Iain, open the new Bears' Lair.

Luxurious and archive enriched, The Flying Scot and The Bears’ Lair offer settings that are perfect for a private dinner, a get together with friends or time with valued clients. Whether it be for rugby, a concert, a corporate event or a family celebration, these rooms, the first of a new collection of ‘1925 Rooms’ are uniquely sophisticated, private and unapologetically indulgent.

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Customer Officer, Olaf Gueldner, said: “These extraordinary dining rooms are so much more than hospitality spaces, they’re unique environments, soaked in some of the stories of our past but deliciously modern in their delivery. In our stadium’s centenary year, we wanted to create something that feels rare and joyful, while honouring the players, pioneers and moments that shaped our sport and the national stadium. The Flying Scot and The Bears’ Lair bring that history to life in a way that is authentic, emotionally charged and only found at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.”

The Flying Scot, for up to 38 people, is named in honour of legendary 1920s Grand Slam winger Ian Smith, famously dubbed ‘The Flying Scot’ for his electrifying pace and unmistakable high-knee running style. The room also captures another remarkable Smith with a beautifully crafted 1920s portrait of debenture pioneer James Aikman Smith, whose visionary funding model enabled the original purchase of Murrayfield. Though appearances suggest Mr Smith was a rather stern individual, we think he would approve of The Flying Scot with its beautiful bar serving the finest cocktails and drams, its very fine food and the opportunity it offers to spend relaxed time away from prying eyes.

The Bears’ Lair is named after the famous front-row trio of Milne brothers David, Iain and Kenny, who were collectively known as the Three Bears. The famous triumvirate were key components of a much-feared Heriot’s FP front row winning between them some 88 caps for Scotland and appearing together for the Barbarians invitational side.

The Lair is intended to evoke a little of that camaraderie and connection the front row brothers enjoyed, with a room perfectly suited to hosting 14 people. Hidden away and beautifully appointed the Bears’ Lair will surprise guests, draw a smile and set them entirely at ease.

Iain Milne said: “It is an incredible honour to have this room named after us. I was blown away when it was initially suggested. The intimacy of the room encapsulates exactly what the scrum is like on the pitch. I hope Kenny and I can add more to the occasion by hosting in The Bears’ Lair.”

For further information or to discuss your specific needs of either The Flying Scot or The Bears’ Lair, the first of Scottish Gas Murrayfield’s 1925 Rooms, please visit the official website.