Blair has been handed the honour after leading his country during their RBS 6 Nations campaign and in the summer Tests against Argentina.

The move sees Hogg swap roles with former vice-captain Blair, with Simon Cross retaining the club captaincy, but the scrum-half believes he and Hogg will both have vital leadership duties next season.

Blair said: “I am looking forward to continuing the great job that Hoggy did last season.

“During the tour in Argentina with Scotland, Hoggy was pack leader and I thought he did an outstanding job there. I really enjoyed working with him in that sense.

“Hopefully we can continue working well together for Edinburgh while drawing on the experience of the other senior players within the squad.

“We’ve got a good leadership structure with Simon as club captain as well. We’ve all got our different roles that we are in charge of and there are other players within the squad who have got to lead as well.”

Head coach Andy Robinson promoted Blair after being impressed with his leadership skills on international duty, but the former England and Bath boss has stressed the importance of several players showing such qualities.

Robinson said: “I think Mike has done a very good job as captain of Scotland and it is an opportunity for him to build on that by leading Edinburgh next season.

“He has been an outstanding player for Edinburgh and he has performed well whenever he has led the side.

“The key factor behind every successful team is that you need leaders all over the pitch and that is something we are developing here at Edinburgh.

“It is important to have leaders throughout and I would like to pay tribute to Ally, who I thought captained the side well last year.

“During Scotland’s win in Argentina, Mike was captain and Ally was vice-captain and that combination worked well.”

Flanker Hogg added: “Naturally I’m disappointed not to be captain for next season, but I fully support the decision and I will back Mike all the way.

“I’m going to be in charge of the forwards and I’m pleased to keep that role.”