Hello and welcome to the first blog all about Scottish sport in an international context.

Scotland has a long and proud history in sport and the country can compete on an independent basis in many sports in a way that it cannot do in other aspects of life. This means that sport is an important part of peoples lives and sporting success is a means by which Scotland can become better known around the world.

This blogspot will concentrate on scots competing in international competitions. So news on the latest old firm derby will have to be found elsewhere. But there is a lot that it can encompass.

The national football team are entering an exciting stage under Walter Smith. The team has been stabilised after the Berti Vogts years and should continue improving as new players are starting to emerge. The qualifying group for Euro 2008 contains 3 teams from the last 8 in the world cup. Italy, France and the Ukraine will provide exciting times ahead. Qualification would amount to the greatest achievement in Scottish sporting history.

It is also an exciting time for other Scottish teams on the international stage too. The rugby side have seen improved results recently and, like the football team, this has been helped by a new coach who has given the team increased confidence. Frank Hadden has seen the team beat England and France at Murrayfield. Now they will be hoping to bring that good home form abroad. A match up against South Africa on saturday 16th would be an amazing place to start. More importantly is the World Cup next year. Again, exciting times ahead.

As it is for the cricket team. Perhaps not the most popular sport in Scotland but it is gaining in popularity all the time, helped by increasing coverage of the national team and qualification for next years World Cup in the West Indies.

This blogspot will also give news and opinions on the individuals representing Scotland abroad. Another good Wimbledon run came to an end for Andy Murray today but what a future he has ahead of him. David Millar lies 12th in the Tour de France after day 2. Of course he will not win it but his very presence will help Scottish sport in the future.

So that is the whole point of this. Good times lie ahead. Names we know now and names yet to come. All representing Scotland on the world stage.