Blair, the younger brother of Scotland scrum-half Mike, signed his new contract before heading off with Scotland A for the IRB Nations Cup in Romania.

And the 23-year-old now hopes to challenge Scotland No.10 Phil Godman for Edinburgh’s playmaker role next season.

Blair said: “I’m really happy to have signed the deal. I haven’t played a lot this year, so hopefully next year I’ll be able to get a few more starts.

“I will keep on pushing for the stand-off position with Phil. I think Phil has been playing really well this year and I’ve tried to learn as much as I can when I play.

“I’ve tried to improve and take in as much as I can, so when I do play again I am a better player. With Phil playing as well as he has done, it does raise the bar.

“That means that when I do get an opportunity I need to seize it to remind the coaching staff of my credentials as a player.”

Blair was selected for the Scotland A squad for the IRB Nations Cup between June 12 and 21 by his club coach Andy Robinson and is looking forward to the challenge.

He added: “I’m really looking forward to the tour. There will be plenty of experienced guys about who I can learn from and hopefully we’ll be able to do well out there.”

Winger Robertson and prop Grant have both also been capped by Scotland A while centre Easson has played for the Scotland Sevens team.