We’ve written it before and we will probably write it again in the future – one of the big benefits of having a tram system in Edinburgh is that when there are big events taking place at Murrayfield Stadium large crowds of people can be moved in a short time. And so it was again on Saturday 14th February when Scotland’s first home match in the 2026 6 Nations took place, against the “auld enemy” England. Roy Calderwood with the photos.
As is normal for big events, match day saw additional services operated on the tramway. This means trams run more frequently and city centre stops are often packed full of fans on their way to the match. With trams having capacity for almost 250 passengers, they are ideal to move lots of people in a short space of time towards the 67,000 capacity stadium.
As for the match, Scotland ended England’s 12-game winning run with a 31-20 victory.
Publicity poster at Picardy Place for the 6 Nations. It reminds would-be passengers that they need to tap-on and tap-off to get the best value fare (if you don’t you get charged the Airport fare).
270 heading for the Airport at Picardy Place.
There’s been a bit of gap in trams and that has led to a busy platform at Princes Street with rugby fans peering down the street looking for the next tram.
277 runs westbound along Princes Street for Murrayfield and the Airport with Calton Hill monuments in the distance.
This view shows how busy it can be with 251 at Princes Street on its way to the Airport. The previous tram has only just pulled away from the stop.
Two trams at West End, including 262 in its Square advert with a service to the Airport. The opposite platform features one of the 10 Emirates trams.
Having moved along the line to Haymarket we see 267 in an advert for Aegon pausing with a service bound for the Airport. Citypoint office block is in the background.
Don’t fancy the tram or bus? Why not take a pedicab instead!
Not all trams run full route during the special service. This is 263 at Haymarket with its destination screen telling us its only going as far as St Andrew Square where it will go forward to York Place to use the crossover and reverse. (All Photographs by Roy Calderwood, 14th February 2026)