Scott MacLeod has signed for Edinburgh until summer 2011

Scotland lock Scott MacLeod has joined Edinburgh after agreeing to leave the Scarlets "by mutual consent".

The 29-year-old, who joined the Welsh region from Border Reivers, has signed a deal until the summer of 2011.

In October MacLeod failed a drugs test for elevated testosterone levels, but was cleared after a panel accepted it was triggered by alcohol consumption.

"I definitely feel I'm making the right move and I'm excited at the prospect of playing for Edinburgh," MacLeod said.

"Things weren't working out this season; I'm determined to continue playing at international level which means I need regular rugby.

"I'm looking forward to a fresh start and working hard towards achieving my career goals for both Edinburgh and Scotland."

MacLeod says the prospect of working with Edinburgh head coach Andy Robinson was a key reason behind his decision to return north.

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"I was coached by Andy Robinson while on tour with Scotland over in Argentina and working with him on a day-to-day basis will definitely help me to improve as a player," MacLeod said.

"He is a hard coach, but he gets the best out of his players. It is the best move I could have made at this stage in my career, especially after going through a difficult year."

MacLeod was banned from all rugby earlier this season after a urine sample he provided contained a higher than permitted level of testosterone.

A test of the player's B Sample confirmed the existence of alcohol in the player's system, which can drastically elevate testosterone levels.

Last February MacLeod was cleared of failing a previous doping test after he had taken an asthma medicine without permission.

The Hawick-born player's final match for the Scarlets came in last weekend's narrow Heineken Cup loss at Harlequins, MacLeod coming on as a 54th-minute replacement.

"I've loved my time in west Wales," MacLeod added. "It's been a great experience at the Scarlets and I'm proud to have been part of a club with such a wonderful tradition."

MacLeod, capped 21 times, was an ever-present for Scotland during last season's Six Nations championship but missed the recent autumn Test series.

Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher thanked MacLeod for his contribution over the past three seasons and wished the player well.

On Wednesday Scotland coach Frank Hadden said that he wants to lure more of Scotland's top players home to boost their 2011 World Cup campaign and MacLeod's decision to join Edinburgh will be a boost.

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