Anthem:Flower of Scotland

6N History (2000-04): Third in 2001 but lower-mid table more usual. Wooden spoon after whitewash last year.

Coach: Matt Williams. The Australian must wonder what he's got himself into with the current domestic strife north of the border. Has long-term plan to improve Scots' global standing but still seeking his first Six Nations victory.

Age: 29 Caps: 70 Tries: 4

Captain: Gordon Bulloch. A late Lions call-up in 2001 was deserved reward. Scotland's most-capped hooker has been a pillar of consistency amid their toils. Took charge in autumn.

Big man: Lock Craig Hamilton was described as 'the find of Scotland's tour' to Australia last year, which shouldn't have been too hard since he is 6ft 8in. Nathan Hines is also happy to throw his 6ft 7in, 18st 8lb-frame around.

I wouldn't stand there pal if I was you

Enforcer: Jason White. Once described by Jim Telfer as the hardest tackler he had ever seen, puts his physique to good use at blindside or lock. A hard nut.

Brains and brawn: Ben Hinshelwood used to work for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia while Stuart Grimes is a graduate in economics and accounts. Whether Simon Taylor's law degree can help defend their record is another matter.

Chris Cusiter's mane could make him Lion material Six Nations hair-raisers

Bad hair day: Close crops tend to be the norm in the Scotland squad, but at least Chris Cusiter is a throwback to the 1970s.

Southern intruders: The 'kilted Kiwis' may have gone, but the 'och-aye' Aussies abound. Nathan Hines (born in Wagga Wagga), Robbie Russell (Brisbane), Ben Hinshelwood (Melbourne) and Dan Parks (Sydney), have all headed north.

Bogey fixture: Won twice in Paris during the 1990s, but have not emerged victorious from Twickenham since 1983 - a draw in 1989 their only solace.

Prospects: Capitulation to South Africa in November did not bode well, especially with France and England away. Two victories from three home games a decent target.

Odds to win title: 125-1