The Scots endured a disastrous first half in which they allowed the dominant Irish to build a 17-0 lead through tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris while also losing three of their most influential backs: Duhan van der Merwe to a yellow card, and both talismanic co-captain Finn Russell and wing Darcy Graham to head injuries.
Scotland 18-32 Ireland: Bonus-point win for Six Nations holders after Finn Russell and Darcy Graham forced off Ireland bolstered their hopes of a third successive Six Nations title as they made it 11 wins in a row over Scotland with a ruthless bonus-point 32-18 triumph at Murrayfield.
With Van der Merwe still in the sin bin, Scotland suffered even more significant back-line disruption in the 21st minute when talisman Russell and jet-heeled wing Graham crashed into each other while trying to defend another dangerous Irish surge down the left.
Scotland had failed to enter the Irish 22 in the opening half hour and Ireland tightened their grip on the match in the 32nd minute when captain Doris pushed his way over on the left after being fed by Jamison Gibson-Park following a purposeful carry from Prendergast.
Scotland's task got even bigger in the 14th minute when their record try-scorer Van der Merwe was yellow carded for foul play after shoving Nash as he chased a bouncing ball in front of the try-line.
