The 27-year-old who missed this year’s RBS 6 Nations with a shoulder injury, joins compatriots Richie Vernon and Fraser McKenzie in a revamped pack at Edgeley Park.

The front-rower, who made 60 appearances for the Cherry & Whites, made his Scotland debut at the 2007 World Cup and has racked up 19 caps in total.

Sale’s executive director of sport Steve Diamond said: “Alasdair is another great signing for us.

“He has a very high work rate and is a good scrummager and will fit in perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at the club.”

Dickinson joined Edinburgh in 2004 and has earned international recognition in all age groups, featuring in the ‘A’ team before making his debut against New Zealand at Murrayfield in 2007.

As well as Vernon and McKenzie, Dickinson joins recent signings Andy Powell, Scott Mathie, Tasesa Lavea, Sam Tuitupou and Russian Andrei Ostrikov.

The Sharks have endured a difficult Premiership season, finishing tenth, and have offloaded over 20 players as Diamond’s revolution gathers pace.

Dickinson becomes the Greater Manchester club’s 15th signing since March.