An Edinburgh native, Paterson came through Fettes College and Edinburgh Accies before progressing through the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy.

He was named in the Scotland U20 squad for the 2020 U20 Six Nations, featuring against England, Italy and France.

He also gained experience in the Super Series with Heriot’s and Watsonians, playing a part in Watsonians’ title-winning Super6 and Sprint campaigns. In 2022 he represented Scotland 7s at the Singapore and Vancouver legs of the World Series.

Paterson made his Edinburgh debut at full-back in the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup clash with Ulster at BT Murrayfield in June 2021.

His first run of games came during the 150th anniversary 1872 Cup fixtures in December 2022, when he was called into the side late for back-to-back starts against Glasgow Warriors.

He kept his place for a third successive start in the home win over Zebre Parma in January 2023, and signed his first professional contract that March.

After a strong start to the 2023/24 season, he was named in Scotland’s squad for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

He made his debut in remarkable circumstances, finding out on the morning of the match that he would start at full-back against France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield after Kyle Steyn withdrew to attend the birth of his child.

He helped create Scotland’s first try that afternoon, and head coach Gregor Townsend described it as one of the best debuts he had ever seen. Paterson added two more caps on that summer’s Americas tour, scoring a try in the win over Canada.

A frustrating run of injuries followed, however Paterson returned in time for the Challenge Cup semi-final against Bath in May 2025, having signed a new two-year deal with the club.

He has since featured regularly in Edinburgh’s back three at full-back and on the wing, and earned selection for Scotland A against Italy XV in February 2026.