The former Stewart’s-Melville back, who played for Scotland in a non-cap game against New South Wales Waratahs in 2004, has had to call time on his career after suffering serious problems with a shoulder injury.

Nevertheless Dey has plenty of fond memories from his six-year stay at Edinburgh.

He said: "Edinburgh was the only team I ever wanted to play for and professional rugby is all I’ve ever known.

"So to be given the opportunity to do that has been fantastic.

"I’ve really enjoyed it and it has been a memorable period in my life – I’ve made a lot of great friends and I’ve loved every minute of it.

"It was pretty devastating to be told I couldn’t play again because I certainly would have loved to have helped Edinburgh during the final stages of the past season.

"But there comes a time when you have to weigh up everything and to be told my shoulder is in the condition it is in means I have to retire from the game.

"The biggest highlights of my career were signing my first contract, going on the Scotland tour to Australia in 2004 and helping the team finish fourth in the Magners League last year.

"I also enjoyed playing for Scotland A when we beat the England Saxons in Canada to reach the Churchill Cup Final.

"I would like to thank all the staff at Edinburgh for their support over the years and wish the team all the very best for the coming season"

In the short term, Dey will finish off a degree which will lead to his next career in business.

Dey added: "I’ve just completed my MBA (Masters in Business Administration) and I am excited about pursuing a career in investment management."