Alan scored his first try for Scotland in the 31-8 victory against Samoa in November 2000, which followed his debut in the autumn Test against the USA. His first full cap was reward for three successive overseas tours with Scotland.
His visit to New Zealand in 2000 followed the national tours to Australia and South Africa in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Injury restricted his appearances on the New Zealand venture to two games, scoring Scotland's first try in their 25-25 draw with Nelson Bays.
He made his debut in the Six Nations as a substitute in Scotland’s opening match of the 2001 tournament against France. He scored Scotland’s opening try of the Australian section of the 1998 tour, when the tourists beat Victoria 42-13 in Melbourne.