I don’t think words will ever fully do this justice… but yesterday at Murrayfield was something truly unforgettable. A day that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

And it makes it even more special knowing how we got there in the first place. This all started with former player Ross Clyne, who put us forward for the Guinness Experience. From there, the Club were asked who we are, what we stand for, and the journey we’re on. To then be chosen ahead of five other clubs… it still doesn’t quite feel real. An opportunity like this, given to us, is something we’ll always be grateful for.

We got the news on 1st April - news of the 9am meeting in Edinburgh also felt like someone was winding us up.

The day itself began in the dark, with an early train from Aberdeen - tired eyes but full hearts and a quiet excitement that kept building with every mile south. Coffee in hand, a zero percent Guinness for the occasion, and breakfast on the train as we laughed, chatted, and started to realise just how special the day ahead was going to be.

Then we arrived and suddenly it was real. Walking into Murrayfield, you could feel the history, the energy, the magnitude of it all. Being shown how to carry the flag onto that iconic pitch, rehearsing every step, being guided on and off like championship show ponies — it felt surreal, emotional, and honestly a little overwhelming in the best possible way.

Behind the scenes moments made it even more special. Stepping into the changing rooms, meeting former players who have worn the shirt with pride, and somehow Kelly and I finding ourselves part of the coin toss alongside the captains… moments we never could have imagined, let alone experienced.

But nothing nothing compared to standing on that pitch.

Hearing the noise of the crowd, feeling the atmosphere, and then singing our national anthem together at Murrayfield it’s hard to describe what that felt like. Pride, nerves, joy all at once. For those few moments, we weren’t just watching history - we were part of it. Representing something bigger than ourselves, side by side. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To then receive medals from the Scotland team was incredibly special a moment of recognition we’ll treasure forever.

Flo and Elaine had the incredible honour of presenting the Player of the Match medal at the end of the game another surreal moment that perfectly captured just how special the whole experience had been.

But what made the day even more powerful was who we shared it with. The friendships formed, the laughter, the support a reminder of just how strong and special the rugby community is. And knowing that this experience is helping support and inspire the next generation of female players at Mackie makes it all the more meaningful.

From the stands our girls squad from Mackie watched on in awe - building their aspiration for the future as they locked in their goals. We say you have to see it to BE it - so watching at Murrayfield Scotland’s Rugby home matters!

“Ellie - So inspired by the Scottish team and would love to be on the pitch one day”.

For our club we are so so proud to call Megan Hyland the under 21’ captain one of our own.  Seeing her achieve her dream matters!

This wasn’t just a day out.
It was pride. It was connection. It was inspiration.

And it’s a day we will carry with us forever!

Photos from the day: https://www.mafprfc.org/photos/guinness-rugby-experience--scotland-women-v-england-18-april-2026-1170877.html