The 23-year-old Edinburgh Gunner was an integral part of Frank Hadden's team which finished third in this year's RBS 6 Nations Championship.

The Scots claimed stunning Murrayfield victories against France and England before concluding with a nail-biting last-gasp win in Italy.

Scotland are now idle until they host the Barbarians in Edinburgh on May 31 - the first anniversary of Hadden's appointment - before the eagerly-awaited two-match Test series in South Africa in June.

Hogg, whose sights are currently set on helping fourth-placed Edinburgh win their last six Celtic League matches to land the title, has been amazed at the response the Scots' RBS 6 Nations success has generated.

But he believes Hadden can still take his players to the next level.

Back-rower Hogg, speaking with some of his fellow Calcutta Cup heroes at Tesco in the capital as part of the Community Thursday programme, said: ''I've definitely felt a different buzz about rugby in this country since the Six Nations.

''The support has been fantastic after winning the three games and people come out to various places just to see the Calcutta Cup on display - it's fantastic.

''Frank deserves the utmost credit for getting our confidence and spirit back up. He has brought the best out of the players and hopefully there is still more to come.

''The feelgood factor is back, we're unbeaten at Murrayfield this year and we want to keep that going.''

Fellow forward Simon Taylor, back to his best at number eight, insists the Scots have nothing to fear in South Africa.

Taylor, fit again after a back injury, said: ''It would be great to go on that South Africa tour, it'll be a nice trip down there.

''It would be an incredible result to win, but we went there three years ago and should have beaten them really.

''We go down there with a bit of confidence but know South Africa are probably the second best team in the world at the moment and it's a tough place to go.

''We had a decent Six Nations, but it's sort of out the window now and we have to look to the summer.''