The 28-year-old has endured an extensive series of injuries in the past two years having looked poised to be a regular in Frank Hadden's back row for many years.

Macfadyen will also aim to pass on his experience to the players at Edinburgh Rugby during sessions with Andy Robinson's squad while at Napier University.

An exceptionally mobile flanker in the Neil Back mould, he won 11 caps for Scotland after making his debut as a second-half substitute against Canada on the 2002 North American tour.

He said:: “I take with me some fantastic memories of playing for Glasgow. Injuries have played such a big part in my career, but all the good times by far outweigh the bad.

“It’s great to see such talented young guys come through at Glasgow. They have really set themselves up for a good run next year and I look forward to seeing both Scottish professional teams flourishing in the years ahead.”

Macfadyen enjoyed the best period of career in 2004 when he became a key part of the back row during the Autumn Test series, facing Australia at Murrayfield before scoring a try in the historic 100–8 victory over Japan.

Macfadyen scored his second try for Scotland after being introduced to the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in the summer of 2006, having recovered from a serious knee injury.