Scottish Rugby Targets Major Deficit Reduction Amid £6.5m Murrayfield Investment

Scottish Rugby is on track to cut its annual deficit from £11.3 million in 2023–24 to £3.8 million in the current financial year, according to new CEO Alex Williamson—­despite a significant £6.5 million investment in modernising Murrayfield Stadium.

In his first formal media briefing since taking over the top job in January, Williamson highlighted key factors driving the financial recovery: tighter cost controls post-Dodson era, a British & Irish Lions revenue dividend, improved ticketing strategy, and a lucrative new agreement with Edinburgh City Council to host up to 12 concerts annually at the national stadium.

While the original target for the 2024–25 deficit was £3.1 million, Williamson said the current forecast of £3.8 million still allows for “further improvement” in both 2025–26 and 2026–27, although he declined to confirm whether Scottish Rugby will hit breakeven in that timeframe.

Stadium Investment Breakdown:

The £6.5m outlay at Murrayfield is aimed at boosting both fan experience and commercial performance:

·        £2m – New playing surface and upgraded stadium lighting

·        £1m – Updated PA and emergency lighting systems

·        £1.5m – Revamped hospitality areas

·        ~£2m – Long-awaited improvements to toilet facilities

·        Pitch repositioned 3 metres west for better stadium alignment

Williamson described the upgrades as part of a broader plan to reposition Murrayfield as a multi-use entertainment venue, rather than a rugby-only facility. The ability to host more major concerts is already paying off, with three Oasis shows and one AC/DC concert booked for 2025–­26—­compared to a single Robbie Williams event the previous year.

“Even in a year with just two home Six Nations fixtures, we’ll still see revenue growth, which shows the model is working,” Williamson said. “But it’s only the beginning—we need to do more to fully capitalise on the venue’s potential.”

Scottish Rugby continues to pursue a sustainable future by diversifying revenue streams, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing the stadium's year-round utility.