SCOTTISH Rugby was today celebrating a vote of confidence from the financial sector as investment business Martin Currie agreed to pay a six-figure sum over three years to help unearth future generations of talent.
And, at a ceremony in Edinburgh to mark the deal which covers youth and age-group teams as well as women's rugby and a festival linked to the forthcoming world sevens grand prix leg at Murrayfield, SRU chief executive Gordon McKie hinted there was more to come.
"Discussions are underway with a number of interested parties with a view to obtaining new shirt sponsorship for the national team, hopefully before the World Cup (in September)," said McKie.

Willie Watt, chief executive of Martin Currie, confirmed there was no clause in today's deal preventing the SRU looking to the same financial sector to fill the Scotland void following the withdrawal of Famous Grouse.
"The sponsorship of the national team is better suited to a household brand name.
"However, we hope to be involved long enough to see of those benefiting come through to play in the Scotland side as I am sure they will.

We see ourselves as being in talent development," said Watt.
McKie added: "This is the first occasion we have managed to secure shirt sponsorship for all the teams from pathways through to under-20.
"Results this season have been encouraging particularly the under-18s who defeated Wales for the first time.

"In addition we are in the process of integrating women's rugby who will also benefit.
"The Emirates IRB sevens will be supported by the festival on the back pitches bringing together 50-60 teams from adults to tag to touch to New Image.
"For the main event some 8000 tickets have already been sold for each day (June 2-3) ahead of the bulk of the promotion which gets underway next week.

"Television coverage amounting to 4-5 hours each day on BBC2 will take the tournament into 200 million homes worldwide."
Andy Irvine, SRU president, said: "It is tremendous for Scottish Rugby to have such a first class sponsor as Martin Currie, a great name in Sottish business. This touches all the right buttons in areas we want to see progress and development.

That is particularly true of the festival which is a great opportunity for Scotland to show world-wide what we do.