Edinburgh have awarded professional contracts to National Academy players Sean Crombie, Kyle Traynor and Steven Turnbull.

Coach Andy Robinson has promoted Boroughmuir hooker Crombie, Watsonians captain Traynor and Heriot's lock Turnbull after being impressed by their willingness to learn.

Their arrivals strengthen Edinburgh's front-five department after impressive performances in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier One.

Robinson said: "I have worked closely with all three players over the course of the season and I've been hugely impressed with the potential shown.

"Their enthusiasm and hunger to learn has really stood out and their arrivals add further vitality to an already vibrant young squad."

Crombie, 21, added: "After winning the title with Boroughmuir and now getting the contract at Edinburgh, 2008 has been a good year, but I'm hoping next year is going to be even better."

Traynor has been on the periphery of Edinburgh's professional ranks and made his first-team debut as a replacement against Newport Gwent Dragons in May 2006.

The 22-year-old said: "I'm thrilled to be coming on board at Edinburgh. I've been involved with the club as an apprentice for the past four years.

"I feel I've learned a lot over that period of time and now I've got a professional contract I want to prove I'm good enough to be there.

"If I look back to where I was a couple of years ago, I was pretty immature as a rugby player.

"But at Watsonians under Cammy Mather, who is a past international, he instilled a few pointers in me that has enabled me to become a better professional."

Towering lock Turnbull, 21, hopes to emulate the success of former Dunblane High School friend Andy Murray.

He said: "It is a bit of a claim to fame - I used to play tennis quite a bit with him when I was younger. We went to the same school and I know him pretty well.

"It would be great if I could achieve the same success in rugby that he has achieved in tennis."

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