Scottish Rugby was commended for its positive impact on the Scottish economy, specifically within the Edinburgh area, at a reception at the Scottish Parliament last night.The Holyrood event presented some of the year’s rugby successes including summer and autumn test highlights, pro-team performances and attendance figures, and the recently announced growth in participation numbers in the community game. Edinburgh Central MSP Sarah Boyack, whose constituency includes Murrayfield Stadium, hosted the event to showcase the work of the governing body and stressed the positive work should not be underestimated.Ms Boyack said: “Good performances from the Scotland team in the recent autumn tests have generated a buzz about rugby.  But the achievements of Scottish Rugby extend beyond the on-field actions of the sport’s elite players. “Economically, the impact of Scottish Rugby must not be ignored. According to research conducted by Napier University last year, matches at Murrayfield for the 2008-09 season will bring an estimated£50 million net spending to the Edinburgh economy benefiting all kinds of businesses in the area. “On the playing side there has been a great deal of investment in the grass-roots of the game in recent years which has resulted in an upsurge in participation.  Figures released by Scottish Rugby show that around 20,000 youngsters are now playing rugby, a rise of 24% since 2006, while adult participation is also on the rise.”Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Gordon McKie, commented: “The financial impact of the world-class events held at Murrayfield is well documented and, with the RBS 6 Nations, Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s, Murrayfield Magic weekend, Oasis concert and the Heineken Cup Final all rapidly approaching, we are expecting to provide another significant economic boost in 2009.”We are delighted to see so many MSPs attend our reception to celebrate a positive year for Scottish Rugby and would particularly like to pay tribute to the club development officers, clubs and volunteers helping us achieve very positive growth for the community game.”NOTES TO EDITORS:Player participation increase over the past two years is broken down as follows:Youth participationc15, 200 in 2006c18,100 in 2007 up c2900 (16%)c20,000 in 2008 up c1900 (10%)Youth increase since restructure c4800 / 24%Adult participationc9,000 in 2006c9,600 in 2007 up 600 (c6%)c10,500 in 2008 up 900 (c9%)Adult increase since restructure  c1500 / 14%Total increase since restructurec6300 / 21%* New percentages are based on rounded figures from numerous sources including club membership and insurance returns, school affiliate membership returns, Scottish Rugby’s online registration system and reports fed back to regional development management from club development officers around the country.Our picture shows Scotland internationalists Allister Hogg (Edinburgh) and Thom Evans (Glasgow) flanking Edinburgh Central MSP Sarah Boyack at the Parliamentary reception.