Scotland flanker Blair Cowan has forecast a bright future for Vern Cotter’s side following their narrow defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.
The Scots went close to snatching their first win over the All Blacks after 109 years of trying, but a late try from Jeremy Thrush eventually sealed a 24-16 victory for the tourists at Murrayfield.
Cowan said: "You have got to be real about it, it was still a loss on Saturday. If you are going to accept defeats then you may as well give up there.
"We are bitterly disappointed with the loss but there are a lot of positives we can build on. It's not a negative loss if you want to put it that way.
"There is a sense that something is growing in this squad. It's very special and perfectly-timed with the Six Nations and World Cup coming up.
"But as quickly as things are built, they can be dismantled. We have to stay clear-headed and keep progressing. We have a big game next week against Tonga, so we have to get back to work quickly.
"We feel we are heading towards something special. We are a team on the up.
"The unity amongst the squad and the sense that we are going somewhere is amazing."