Scottish coach Ian McGeechan has revealed his decade of involvement with British Lions rugby is officially over.

On the eve of his new charges' Six Nations title defence, the newly appointed Scottish coach confirmed he would not be looking for an involvement in next year's Lions Tour.

McGeechan, who succeeds fellow Lions coach Jim Telfer in the national coach's job, had been tipped as a potential tour manager when the famous British tourists embark on their next expedition to Australasia in 2001.

But McGeechan who signed a four-year head coach's contract with the SRFU after the World Cup believes the time is right for another coach to sample the unique atmosphere of a Lions tour.

"It's time for someone else to have the opportunity" he said.

"I've done the last three Lions tours and everyone has been a great experience and an enormous privilege to be involved with.

"A Lions Test is unique and very special, the time now feels right to give someone else the chance to experience that feeling."

McGeechan's Lions record means his successor must be a coach of proven pedigree. In 1989 the Lions beat Australia 2-1, followed four years later by a narrow 2-1 series defeat against the All Blacks.

But it is the historic tour of South Africa in 1997 and Jeremy Guscott's famous drop goal that will forever remain the Scot's personal Lions highlight.

His appointment at the SRFU was widely expected following a lengthy spell as Telfer's assistant. He was approached by the RFU for the England job before current coach Clive Woodward was appointed, but the proud Scot refused to leave club side Northampton.

"The Lions in South Africa told me how much I love international rugby and being involved in the really big occasions. To coach Scotland is an experience I could never turn down and I can't wait to get started."