NEW public ream and a new shopping row in Edinburgh that will house Marks and Spencer, Waterstones and Charlie Miller are taking shape alongside one of the country’s most historic rugby grounds.

The Raeburn Place Foundation has shared images of the progress of the £8.5 million revamp of the home of Edinburgh Academical Football Club, which, founded in 1857, is the oldest rugby club in the country.

The ground is the birthplace of international rugby. The first game was between Scotland and England there in 1871, with the 150th anniversary next year.

The Herald:

Image: Michael Laird Architects

The Di Maggio Restaurant Group is taking two units and the Milk and Honey ice-cream parlour is also moving in.

The Raeburn Place Foundation said the commercial units are due to be handed over to tenants in October.

The next phase is to create a national museum and fund raising is under way.

The foundation said: “The sport has evolved greatly since that first match between Scotland and England, watched by 4,000 Victorians, with viewing figures for the World Cup in Japan reaching up to 60 million.

“The significance of Raeburn Place in global sporting history will be highlighted in our Museum of International Rugby.”