Carruthers has invested heavily in Edinburgh

Edinburgh claim they are entitled to Magners League and Heineken Cup fees but have not received a penny.

"We are here for the long-term," Carruthers told BBC Sport.

"It's been a difficult first year but we are keen to be involved in what should be a renaissance for Scottish rugby over the long-term."

Interview: Edinburgh Rugby co-owner Bob Carruthers

Carruthers revealed that he and his fellow investors had spent �1.3m in their first season, with Edinburgh struggling to an eighth place finish in the Magners League.

And he maintains that the SRU owe them "a huge six-figure sum" that was due on 30 November.

The financial dispute is certain to continue and could yet land up in the courts but Carruthers has other worries.

"What's more important is that no-one has really thought through the vision for professional rugby in Scotland," he continued on BBC Radio Scotland's Sports Weekly show.

"No-one has really thought through the vision for professional rugby in Scotland.

"When we bought this club it was one of three pro clubs and we were told the idea was to build back up to the four Scotland used to have.

"That would have given us an inter-district championship and all sorts of options.

"But the SRU immediately closed the Borders down as soon as we were in the door.

"We pay the wages for a substantial number of the Scotland players.

"And we need to be involved in a debate about the landscape for professional rugby in Scotland.

"A strategy need to be put in place, not just for a year or two, but for 10 or 20 years to come."