The sale of alcohol inside Murrayfield has been banned

The ban at Scotland's rugby union HQ was being tested on Saturday when the home team took on Australia in an international test match.

The Scottish Rugby Union said the decision reflected the growing public mood against passive smoking.

Graham Law of the SRU said its biggest source of complaints was from people who felt smoke had spoiled their visit.

Mr Law said: "You cannot smoke on most public transport, at the cinema or theatre or, indeed, at other international sports venues such as the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Ban 'workable'

"I know from our post bag that the vast majority of our supporters wish Murrayfield to be smoke-free."

Smoking will still be allowed outside the seating area, on the concourses.

The ban will not apply to Hearts football matches or any pop concerts.

The Scottish Executive is considering a ban on smoking in public places and, after looking at Ireland, where a ban is in place, it was suggested a ban in Scotland was "workable".