Grant Shiells, the Melrose-born prop who has represented Scotland at under-19, under-20 and A levels, has joined Edinburgh from Bath on a 19-month deal.

Shiells had only joined Bath, currently fourth in the Aviva Premiership, this summer, having spent the previous five seasons with Newcastle Falcons for whom he signed from Kelso in the summer of 2009. His first Premiership start for Falcons, in his debut season, came in a win over Sale Sharks which secured the club's place in the top flight for another season as they went on to finish ninth in the league.

Shiells, who began training with the club yesterday, said: "Edinburgh was the team I grew up supporting so I'm looking forward to joining the squad," he said.

"I used to enjoy watching Todd Blackadder - a big, impressive ball carrier - and more recently, Fordy [Ross Ford]. Obviously he's a Kelso boy too, and I looked up to him. I'm just looking forward to getting stuck in about it, really."