FORMER North Berwick rugby star Lewis Carmichael joined the senior Scotland squad for the first time last week.

The 22-year-old lock, who signed professional terms with Edinburgh Rugby a year ago, was called into the squad by new head coach Gregor Townsend.

A former Scotland U20 and Club XV internationalist, Carmichael has been on loan at Australian Super Rugby outfit Western Force and linked up with the squad in Singapore ahead of Saturday’s defeat of Italy.

After adding Carmichael to the touring party, Townsend said: “We’ve watched Lewis closely over the last few weeks and it’s been great to see how quickly he’s settled in to Super Rugby level. He’s been getting better and better with each game.

“This is a great opportunity for him given that it’s a relatively easy journey from Perth, Australia, to join the squad.

“It’s also an chance for us as coaches to get him up to speed with the group ahead of our test week in Sydney.”

The versatile Rob Harley, more at home in the back row, covered the locking berths from the bench against Italy, but the former North Berwick High School pupil could be in line for a first full cap within the next fortnight.

He will again watch from the stands as Scotland play Australia in Sydney tomorrow (Saturday), but may come into contention as Townsend's side take on Fiji in Suva next Saturday.