The brisk, frostbitten Friday morning was stark contrast to the warm, friendly welcome the Gullivers staff provided at the check-in desk in Cardiff. Despite the two sides having vastly opposing starts to the Six Nations 2023, excitement was building amongst those in the airport and as the flight took off there was a real sense of hope from those in red.

We quickly arrived at Edinburgh airport and had a short transfer over to our hotels, where everyone could check into their rooms, the rest of the day was free to explore the amazing city. There was no doubt the Six Nations was in town as a sea of tartan covered the cobbled streets and bagpipes could be heard on every corner. Fans from both sides packed every bar and restaurant in sight, as stories were shared, and locals turned to friends.

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The following morning and as on every match day, there was a buzz throughout the city. Yet before the match, there was still one event on the forefront of our minds, the Gullivers Clubhouse. With big name guests such as Shane Williams and Kelly Brown, compèred by the ever-great Nicky Robinson, expectations were high, and they did not disappoint. From high-level tactical analysis to truly emotional, gripping stories, everyone in the room was hanging on their every word. Although all three of our speakers gave their score predictions for the game later that day, it seems no one expected what was to follow. To end the event, and after a very generous donation, we had not one but two signed Wales match shirts to raffle off for our Wooden Spoons charity partner, leaving two extremely happy clients walking away with a piece of memorabilia each they will never forget!

It was then time for the eagerly anticipated clash between these two nations, and after a walk flanked by bagpipes, burger vans and beers, we finally made it to the stadium. The atmosphere was already electric as an amazing match between Ireland and France played out on a giant screen in the fan village. The stadium shook as the national anthems were sung, and Flower of Scotland was boomed out by the nearly 70,000 people in the stadium. Of all the matches I have been to, this was nothing like I had experienced before.

A spirited first half performance from the Wales team kept them in the game for large periods and although they threatened on occasion, the dominant, high class Scottish team shone through. As the mist rolled over the Pentland hills behind the stadium, the expectation of any Welsh victory slipped away and as the light faded into the night, the emotions of those draped in red dragon flags was becoming slightly downtrodden. Credit where credit is due, this Scotland performance was highly impressive and the match finished with 35-7 final score.

However, Welsh spirits do not break that easily and the party carried on through the night with fans from each side joining together to celebrate a fantastic weekend. Six Nations fever truly took over Edinburgh that weekend and we cannot wait to go back!

- Lee Gill, Operations Assistant