Hamilton has become an integral part of the Scotland set-up since making his debut in the Autumn Tests last year.

He got the nod over experienced men such as Scott Murray for the RBS 6 Nations opener against France at Murrayfield last February and moved to Edinburgh to enhance his international claims in the coming season.

The English-born forward admits things have gone even better than he could have expected since moving to the capital.

He said: “I know the area well because I've been up there quite a lot with the national team. Edinburgh is a really nice place to live, so I'm spoilt for choice really.

“The forwards at Edinburgh from the Scotland squad - like David Callam, Allan Jacobsen and Allister Hogg - have already helped me out by giving me some ideas about places to look at.

“I already know my way around Murrayfield, so there is no danger of me getting lost. It is not as if I am moving somewhere completely alien to me; I know the set-up which makes it a lot easier.”