New tented village will be major attraction at �world class� golf event

3rd July 2013

The attraction of some of the best golfers in the world at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and the prospect of worldwide television coverage is another huge boost for the Highlands in placing itself on the world sporting map.

This is the view of Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of The Highland Council, who visited the Castle Stuart Links, near Inverness, to meet with European Tour and Castle Stuart representatives ahead of next week�s European Tour event.

The Council is a sponsor of the event and will be playing an important role in providing support from traffic management to ensuring a swift response to any weather-related incident.

Councillor Hendry was particularly impressed with plans for the tented village, much of which will be undercover, new catering facilities and the impressive lay out for spectators. Close by is an all weather area, including caf�, for young golfers to practice their golfing skills.

He said: �The European Tour is piloting a new covered tented village which will be greatly welcomed by spectators. They are pulling out all the stops to make this a very special experience for spectators.�

He added: �I am hugely looking forward to this world class event. Castle Stuart Links is a real treasure of a golf course, which is a fabulous asset for the Highlands and its economy. It is a great venue for a major golf tournament and it is no wonder it attracts some of the top golfers.
�What a great opportunity for the public to come along and see their heroes at close quarters. I would urge as many as possible to come along and support this wonderful event. I am sure the organisers will build on the success of the previous two years and stage another first class event.

�It is also great to see the Highlands showcased to a worldwide television audience via Sky and BBC. It is also great news that the event will be broadcast live on network tv in America. Businesses and public agencies are pulling out the stops to provide a warm Highland welcome and I sincerely hope visitors enjoy the golf and their stay in our very special area.�

The Council Leader reminded spectators of the tournament bus service. A shuttle service will run to and from Inverness Bus Station and from Nairn, spectators should take Service 11 or 11a to the Airport and then the tournament shuttle bus to and from the course. Tournament buses are �5 return, with Seniors Citizens and Under 16s travelling free of charge.

Tickets are available on the gate.
A season ticket to see world class players such as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie and Matteo Manassero can be bought for �70 in advance of the tournament, a saving of �10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are currently priced at �30, rising to �35 on the gate.

Concessions (60 and over) start at �50 for a season ticket and �20 for any one day tickets if purchased in advance. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free.

Entrance to the Pro-Am on Wednesday is �12 in advance and �15 on the day.
Full ticket information can be found at: www.aamscottishopen.com or www.europeantour.com/tickets or telephone Ticket Hotline: +440800 023 2557.

PHOTO - Grant Sword of Castle Stuart Golf Course. Leader of The Highland Council Drew Hendry with Director of International Championships Peter Adams.