Fewer fans but no let up in the passion

WHILE there may be fewer of them than in previous years there was no faulting the devotion of the Welsh fans who made the pilgrimage to Edinburgh to watch their team in the Six Nations clash.

Sioned Saer was one of a group of female fans from Llanelli, West Wales, who were walking along the Grassmarket wearing bright red sweatshirts and enormous daffodil hats.

"We think it is really, really important to support your team," she said. "This game is the only one we come to because the Scottish people are always so welcoming to us."

Leony Davis said the biennial trip to Edinburgh was eagerly awaited by many Wales fans: "I've been coming here for nine years. I wouldn't miss it," she said.

For some the trip was a family affair. Neil Taylor from Bridgend had brought his son to the match for the first time. "I'm up here with my son. It is a tradition and I wanted to bring my boy."