I CONSIDER myself to be a true Scot, a very patriotic woman indeed and a supporter of all things Scottish.

For example I love Robert Burns and haggis, I holiday in the Western Isles and I even hope to start an online petition to have STV's John Mackay knighted in the Queen's 2014 honours list for being a top Scot.

Anyway, as a proud Scot I decided to get behind my country and head to Murrayfield for the rugby at the weekend and cheer on our national team as they faced a fantastic Irish side in their Six Nations clash.

Now being from the East End of Glasgow and my poor father having five daughters with not a son in sight to pass on his passion for football, the offside rule and Wembley 1977 were high on the agenda of chat in our house and as a result I am a massive football fan.

Rugby on the other hand had never really taken my fancy.

I have a fair idea of the rules and I know the ball is oval shaped but having never been to a live game I had no idea what I was in for when driving through to Edinburgh on Sunday.

But let me tell you, ladies, little did I know what treats lay in store.

Firstly, watching a rugby match is just such a civilised affair.

The atmosphere is electric, and the spectators are all in high spirits because unlike football matches alcohol is available to buy throughout the game –although not one person I saw seemed in any way drunk or disorderly.

In fact I was extremely jealous of the group of girls in front of me laughing and cheering while sipping their rose wine accompanied by a very posh looking portion of chips and cheese.

Another wonderful thing I discovered was that there was no 'away end' as such but that both sets of fans were mixed together in the crowd.

That meant I was surrounded by both Irishmen and their heart-melting accents and strapping big Scottish boys in their kilts singing Flower of Scotland at the top of their voices and, ladies, they all looked totally drop-dead gorgeous, trust me.

I was driving that day so was not wearing my usual 3am beer goggles.

THEN the icing on the cake were the players, 80 minutes of big strong men tackling each other to the ground trying in vain to score that all important try and, if not, at least hoping to get a conversion kick or drop goal on target.

The game was exhilarating and I found myself glued to the playing field willing and screaming for Scotland to win, my heart racing in the dying seconds praying that they could hold on to their four-point lead to secure their first championship win over the Emerald Isle at Murrayfield in the Six Nations in almost 12 years.

There was a sense of relief and joy when the final whistle was blown.

It was one of the most fantastic days out I've had in a long time and I would highly recommend attending a rugby match to everyone.

I'm delighted to hear that the Scotland v Wales game on March 9 is now sold out however, there are plenty of other opportunities to attend a rugby match right here on our doorstep, as the Glasgow Warriors are competing in the Pro 12 competition next month. Full details can be found at www.scottishrugby.org

Obviously, as Scotland won on Sunday and it was coincidentally my first time at Murrayfield I am convinced that lady luck was looking down on us.

Yes people, my name is Michelle and I am officially the Scotland Rugby Team's good luck charm, isn't that right, boys?

No comment as yet on that from the Scottish Rugby Union...

:: A BIG HELLO TO: Leonie's Bridal Wear in Baillieston! Thank you for making us all feel so at ease at our fitting.

It's the second time in a year I've been a bridesmaid. Cue Fairy Godmother and handsome prince next please!