Scotland's all-time record points scorer Chris Paterson has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.

The Edinburgh-born player, renowned for his kicking ability, scored 809 points for his country over a 12-year spell.

The 33-year-old is also the record cap holder for Scotland, having made 109 appearances.

Paterson will continue his club career, with his contract at Murrayfield running until the summer of 2012.

He has been struggling of late with a groin injury, preventing him from kicking, with Greig Laidlaw taking over duties with club side Edinburgh.

Paterson made his first international appearance at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, featuring against Spain. He went on to become the first ever Scot to play at four World Cups, having also appeared at the 2003, 2007 and 2011 tournaments.

The full-back, who also served as captain for his nation, became the first Scot to win 100 caps.

He suffered a split kidney on his 100th appearance against Wales in the 2010 Six Nations, ruling him out for five months.

Paterson though returned and became only the fifth player in the history of the Six Nations to amass more than 400 points in the 2011 tournament.

His final Scotland appearance came in the World Cup, kicking six points in a 16-12 defeat to England which eliminated Andy Robinson's side from the competition.