Skipper Bryan Redpath knows Scotland have to learn some harsh lessons from their Murrayfield mauling at the hands of the Irish - and quickly.

The Scots were their own worst enemies as a series of elementary errors gifted Ireland a 36-6 win in Edinburgh.

A massive improvement is now needed if Redpath and his team-mates are to avoid further embarrassment in the RBS Six Nations Championship.

"We gave silly penalties away, we gave them easy options to kick at goal early on," a dejected Redpath told the BBC.

"And, when we got it back to 16-6, we never took our chances and Ireland took theirs.

"Ireland were the better team on the day and we have to take it on the chin and learn from it."

Scotland struggled in every area of the park and were surprisingly weak from line-out and scrummage situations, which have traditionally been strengths.

"Our set-piece play wasn't as good as it has been," Redpath continued.

Scotland failed to find any ryhthm

"I couldn't tell the reasons why but it's something we have to improve on and get right because at the top level of rugby set-pieces are key.

"If we don't get that right, then we'll struggle.

"Once you get into that kind of rut, sometimes it's difficult to get out.

"We knew Ireland were a good side and it would be tough but, obviously, it's disappointing to start the Six Nations campaign with a loss."

Scotland go to Paris next weekend and Redpath knows it's vital that there is a huge turn around in form over the next seven days.

"We've got a game back-to-back, so that's going to be a good measure on how we are mentally and how we can prepare," said the Sale scrum-half, who will win his 50th cap in France.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan, who is stepping down as Scotland coach after the World Cup in October, echoed his captain's words.

"We had two or three opportunities in the first half which we really should have put away.," said McGeechan.

"It's such an advantage to get points on the board early.

"I'm pleased with the amount of chances that we made - we created more space out wide than we have done for a while - but we just didn't put them away."