“Playing without crowds in last year’s championship was a surreal experience but it underlined to us how privileged we were to be able to continue to represent the millions of Scotland supporters around the world,” said Scotland captain Stuart Hogg today.

His team-mate, Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby hooker, Stuart McInally, said: “We were lucky still to be able to do our job, whereas countless of our supporters have had to endure real hardship.

“The pandemic didn’t discriminate, of course, but we know from our own families and friends that the last 22 months have been so tough for so many.

“Happily, restrictions are now easing, hopefully for good,and we can’t wait to return to BT Murrayfield and, just as we were able to during the Autumn Tests, play again in front of the most passionate and loyal supporters in another full house, starting with the Calcutta Cup on Saturday (5 Feb).

“But as players we also wanted to give something back and we decided to donate to a charity, which does some fantastic work in helping young people, often when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Through the Scottish International Rugby Players’ Trust, some £10,000 is being donated to charity to support the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services – CAMHS which is part of the NHS.

This donation will help the service to go over and above what the NHS can provide alone, such as specialist equipment, research or new resources, to enable schools and other care-givers to provide the right mental health support to children and young people earlier on.

McInally, who is Trust chairman, went on: “Being part of a team sport, we are actively encouraged to look out for each other and even though we play a physically very demanding sport that does not make us invincible to the challenges that can affect mental wellbeing.

“If our donation can help CAMHS provide support for a young person in their time of need then it’s an extension of our team ethos to our fellow countrymen and women.”

Professor Cathy Richards, Lead clinician, Head of CAMHS Psychology NHS Lothian, welcomed the donation.

She said: “A heartfelt thanks to the Scotland rugby players. This gift will allow us to meet the ever-changing needs of children and young people by helping to enhance our services.

“Through different projects, such as outreach in our communities, we will be able to raise awareness about early signs of mental health issues, help young people feel less alone and isolated, and provide new and fun experiences.”

Dr Gill Kidd, Consultant Clinical Psychologist CAMHS Intellectual Disability Team, added: “We are most grateful to the players for this contribution to CAMHS. This will really make a difference and help young people and their families when they are at their most vulnerable.”

​Scottish International Rugby Players’ Trust

Scottish International Rugby Players’ Trust was set up to acknowledge the achievements of selected current and former Scottish international rugby players or other persons who have made a significant contribution to the sport of rugby in Scotland.

Scotland international players donate to the trust after every Scotland international match in which they play, to allow the trust to recognise current and former players’ achievements along with supporting the work of various local charities and good causes.

NHS Scotland Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

NHS Scotland Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are multi-disciplinary teams that provide:

* assessment and treatment/interventions in the context of emotional, developmental, environmental and social factors for children and young people experiencing mental health problems, and
* training, consultation, advice and support to professionals working with children, young people and their families.

This CAMHS service is part of NHS Lothian with donations being made through Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation (ELHF). ELHF supports longer lives, better lived. It works in strategic partnership with NHS Lothian and other partners who share its vision and values to make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing on a local, regional and national level.

Last year it contributed over £5million in charitable grants to health improvement projects.