If they lose against Ireland in Dublin later this month, it will be four years without an away RBS 6 Nations victory, and Barclay knows they missed a great opportunity to break that duck at the weekend.

The Glasgow Warriors star said: “This feeling is becoming a familiar one and it's not one I enjoy too much. We just couldn't get over the whitewash and it's massively frustrating for us.

“We didn't execute as well as we should have and their defence was excellent. They slowed our ball down and played right on the edge of the law and we didn't help ourselves with some of the plays we used and the way we attacked at times.

“I want to apologise to the fans. In the short time I've been involved with Scotland they were the best I've heard - Flower of Scotland was ringing around the stadium. I'm disappointed we can't get a win for them because they're standing by us and we want to repay their faith. We had so many chances but just weren't clinical enough.”