Carlisle-born centre Chris Harris has been named in Scotland's squad for the RBS 6 Nations.

Newcastle Falcons' Cumbrian Harris, who qualifies to play for the country through his grandmother, has today been named in head coach Gregor Townsend's 40-man team.

The former Carlisle Rugby Club player made his debut for the Scots in their 44-38 win over Samoa in November and is joined by uncapped quartet Blair Kinghorn, Nathan Fowles, Murray McCallum and D’arcy Rae.

Scarlets back-row John Barclay will continue to captain the side, having led Scotland to victories in six of nine Test matches since taking on the mantle from Greig Laidlaw.

"With the announcement of this 40-man squad, we are now entering the key stages of our preparation for this year’s NatWest 6 Nations Championship," Townsend told Scottish Rugby's website.

"It’s a bigger squad than we originally planned –which is largely down to the competition for places – with a number of players having performed well in the Autumn Tests and a few others putting their hands up for selection in recent weeks."

Scotland will start their 6 Nations campaign against Wales on February 3.