Prop Ellis Genge has barged through for the only try of the game as England eventually found a way past Scotland in an error-strewn Six Nations clash played in foul Edinburgh conditions as a 13-6 triumph regained the Calcutta Cup.
Rain and fierce winds whipped up by Storm Ciara on Saturday made everything difficult and England, beaten by France in their opening game last week, limped to a 3-0 halftime lead as Owen Farrell landed one of his three penalty attempts.
Adam Hastings levelled it at 3-3 soon after the restart but, after a ragged period with barely a pass going to hand or a kick where it was intended, England eventually forced their way through in the 70th minute through replacement Genge.
Farrell converted, then settled the match with a penalty in the 77th minute and though Hastings replied soon afterwards, time ran out for the hosts, who have now lost two in a row after defeat in Dublin last week.