Simon Webster is in line for his first cap for Scotland

But Borders centre Kevin Utterson is a surprise exclusion from the party for the forthcoming two-test trip to South Africa.

His place is taken by Glasgow's Andrew Henderson, who has returned to the international frame and could feature in the warm-up match against the Barbarians at Murrayfield on 28 May.

The squad will depart for South Africa the day after and uncapped Dall views it as a new experience and fresh opportunity, although he was called into last year's tour to North America as a replacement.

"I'm delighted and a wee bit surprised as well, because I didn't get that many starts for Edinburgh over the season," he said.

I might be a wee bit fresher than some of the other guys Edinburgh flanker Andrew Dall

"But it's good to know that the selectors are monitoring players' progress anyway.

"I reckon I've probably had four starts this season but I feel I've been playing alright.

"The advantage I've got is that I might be a wee bit fresher than some of the other guys."

Edinburgh wing Webster was looking forward to winning a belated first cap.

"I was just so disappointed with the whole Italy thing and getting knocked out during training in the lead-up to that game," he said.

Dall (right) has not played regularly for Edinburgh

"That made me so desperate to get back involved.

"To be honest my summer would have been awful had I not managed to get back into the squad."

Henderson had spent much of the season with the Scotland A squad and said: "I'm very pleased to be back in the Scotland squad.

"It was good to be involved with the A team during the season and I was just determined to be challenging for a place with the national team."

Ross Beattie (Bristol Shoguns), Steve Brotherstone (Newcastle Falcons), Simon Danielli (Bath), Ben Hinshelwood (Worcester), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby), Craig Smith (Edinburgh) and Tom Smith (Northampton Saints) all miss the tour through injury. Newcastle's Stuart Grimes was also unavailable for the trip because of suspension.

Scotland squad:

Backs: Blair (Edinburgh), Craig (Orrell), Henderson (Glasgow), Laney (Edinburgh), Logan (Wasps), McLaren (Bordeaux), Metcalfe (Glasgow), Paterson (Edinburgh), Redpath (Sale, capt), Ross (Leeds Tykes), Townsend (Borders), Webster (Edinburgh).