Edinburgh have signed Inverness-born Scotland international stand off Tom Heathcote from English Premiership club Bath on a one-year deal.
Heathcote, aged 22, won his first international cap as a replacement in the 2012 Test against Tonga at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen.
He was selected in Scotland’s 2013 six nations squad and started at stand-off for Scotland A, kicking eight points in the 13-9 win against England Saxons, the side’s first win across the border.
He then went on to make two starts for Scotland in the 2013 summer quadrangular tournament against Samoa and Italy.
Heathcote said: “I’m really excited about joining Edinburgh.
“I’m really looking forward to getting there and getting started.
“I’ve followed the club quite closely for a number of seasons and have seen the improvements made this year. I think it’s a club that’s in a good position to push on.
“Coach Alan Solomons has a really strong vision. There’s a lot of good young players that are expected to develop, which I think will take the club from strength to strength over the next few years.
“I’ve had about three years of Premiership experience, but am still quite young. I’m sure I’ll keep developing as a player in a team that will continue to improve in the coming seasons, especially as that core of young players gets more game time and experience.”
On leaving school in Salisbury, Heathcote was immediately snapped up by the Bath Academy and made his first team debut in 2011.
He has gone on to score 257 points in 41 Premiership and European Cup appearances, and will now look to continue his development for the capital club in the Pro12.
Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons said: “It’s very pleasing to announce the signing of another quality, young – and in this case, experienced – Scottish player.
“Tom joins us with three seasons of experience in the English Premiership so I expect him to make a valuable contribution straight away.
“His arrival will certainly intensify the competition for places at pivot while, at just 22, he also fits well with our group of young Scots coming through at the club.
“It all bodes very well for the future.”