Scottish Rugby said on Monday it achieved record turnover of £57.2 million over the 2017-18 season, an 11% increase on the previous season and “equating to a 63% rise in income growth since 2011.”

A surplus of £1.8 million was generated over the season, according to Scottish Rugby’s 2017-18 annual report.

The increase in turnover was achieved through broadcast revenues of £15.2 million and a rise in other operating income to £18.9 million in relation to increased commercialisation of the Guinness PRO14, higher match-day hospitality and game-day related sales at BT Murrayfield, non-matchday events and income from British & Irish Lions.

Despite one less Six Nations Championship game last season, ticketing income dropped only slightly to £12.3 million as a result of higher average game attendances.

Commercial income also recorded a slight fall to £10.8 million, reflecting “the tough sponsorship market.”

Scottish Rugby said:”The consistent improving performances of the Scotland national team has driven the commercial gains, reflected through five consecutive sell-out matches at BT Murrayfield in the past season and the 553,969 tickets bought to watch professional rugby in Scotland, 335,720 to watch the Scotland national team.”

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson, said: “Rugby in Scotland is enjoying a resurgence at international and professional level and the support for these teams has never been stronger.

“This has contributed to the strong financial position we can report this year, which will help us to continue to move the game forward at all levels.

“We are committing record levels of investment into the grassroots game in Scotland in order to create a sustainable environment and help improve the standards of rugby being played across the board.

“We continue to build our brand on the global stage and find ourselves in a strong position as we head into Rugby World Cup 2019.”

Scottish Rugby’s 2017-18 annual report also shows it recorded its lowest average debt in the professional era.

A debt figure of £2.4 million was reported, a drop of £2.8 million on the average debt reported in the previous year.

Scottish Rugby chairman Colin Grassie, said: “I’m pleased to report this year’s turnover of £57.2 million marks an increase of £5.8 million on the previous year.

“These results provide financial stability and have been driven by growth in broadcast revenue, as well as hospitality and other events at BT Murrayfield.

“On the pitch we have quality coaches, staff and a technical blueprint in place that is helping to drive the success of our national teams and develop our young players.”