Scottish Rugby to unveil new sensory space

Situated above the South Tunnel at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, the space will be opened formally by Scottish Rugby patron, HRH The Princess Royal, ahead of the opening Guinness Six Nations Championship match between Scotland and Italy on Saturday (1 February).

Previously, the indoor TV studio – broadcasters now prefer outdoor presentation positions – Scottish Rugby has used the space, as a quieter area for some rugby fans and concert goers who may feel over-whelmed by the passionate atmosphere at Scotland’s biggest stadium.

The space was first used by an MND sufferer and his friends when Scotland hosted New Zealand at the stadium in 2022 and has also been available for those who are neuro-diverse.

“We have worked closely with Scottish Autism and a specialist sensory space designer, Tigerplay, to create a state-of-the-art sensory space,” explained Catriona Fett, business partner in Scottish Rugby’s People Team.

“We look to champion inclusion and diversity and having this new facility available for supporters at matches and concerts – but also accessible to visitors during the working week and, potentially, in our very popular stadium tours – is a very positive step.

“The space has been brought to life thanks to financial support from Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, and we are indebted to their Edinburgh committee for their enthusiasm to enhance this project, which will have the formal name of the Wooden Spoon Sensory Space.

“We are also delighted to learn that our International Players Trust is making a donation to further improve the space.”

Gavin Hastings, Honorary President of Wooden Spoon Scotland, said: “I am immensely proud to see the creation of the Wooden Spoon Sensory Space at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“Rugby is a sport built on inclusivity, and this initiative ensures that even more people can experience the magic of a match day in a way that is comfortable for them.

“Thanks to the dedication of Scottish Rugby and the generosity of Wooden Spoon supporters, this space will provide a welcoming environment for those who need it most. It’s a fantastic step forward in making our game truly accessible to all.”

Former Scotland captain, Stuart McInally, chair of the Scotland International Rugby Players’ Trust, said: “We are delighted to make a donation towards the new sensory space at Scottish Gas Murrayfield that’s been developed by Scottish Rugby and Wooden Spoon.

“Our National Team are committed to being connected to our supporters all across the country and if this space can help improve people’s experience of Murrayfield, or create new opportunity for supporters to visit the stadium for the first time, we are honoured to play a part in its development.”

SRU President, Keith Wallace, who serves on the Board of Scottish Autism and is also member of Wooden Spoon, welcomed the development.

He said: “It’s fitting that this project – which is all about making people feel welcome – is one of the first projects that comes to fruition in the stadium’s 100th anniversary year.

“I know from speaking to colleagues at Scottish Autism that such facilities help remove barriers to those with autism, and how funding from Wooden Spoon has supported many such projects. I look forward to this one making memories that last a lifetime,  and open to more people.”

Scottish Rugby has also increased its accessibility offering to ensure the match day experience is as inclusive as possible by offering an audio description service for fans with visual impairment.

Working with ADA Scotland – Audio Description Association Scotland – it was trialled during the Autumn Nation Series, after originally working with them during Harry Styles in 2023 and Taylor Swift | Eras tour in June, 2024.

The offering is now open for fans to get in touch and inquire about using the headsets from their seats in the stands!

To find out about availability for the Wooden Spoon Sensory Space or the Audio Description provision, or for more information regarding further support services on offer on match and event days, please email [email protected] in advance of the event.