Stuart is back in the mix after undergoing ankle surgery for an injury he picked up on the Scotland summer tour of Australasia.
Stuart told the Evening Times: "It has been a frustrating time but the great thing for me is that I am back quicker than expected.
"I rolled the ankle during the team run for the Samoa Test during the summer and it took a lot of physio to get me to make it.
"I then had a month off and thought that would be enough but when I came back it still wasn't right and surgery was needed. But things have gone well on the rehab and to be back on the bench and for Gregor [Townsend] to have the confidence to put me back in the squad for Zebre tonight is a huge plus.
"It is funny to see so many new faces like Fraser Thomson and Sean Kennedy coming in and getting their chance. It reminds me of when I made my breakthrough last season.
"I am just desperate to get on and play as big a part as I can because I believe the pack we have out will give the backs the type of ball that will allow us to cut loose and I want some of that."