Police advice for golf and non golf fans ahead of the Barclay's Scottish Open

Issued by Northern Constabulary

Organisers of the Barclay's Scottish Open have, in consultation with Police and other agencies devised a traffic management plan which will reduce the amount disruption on the roads around the event.

The event at Castle Stuart Golf Links between 6 and 10 July 2011, which includes the popular pro-am and practice day.

Entry and exit to the event will be strictly managed by Police and Traffic Wardens. Vehicles coming from Inverness will be signed to access the event at the Castle Stuart turn-off on the A96 and vehicles coming from the Aberdeen side will be directed to turn off at the new airport roundabout.

Queues are likely during the event and Police are advising motorists to remain patient and for motorists not attending the Scottish Open the advice is to find an alternative route, other than the A96 between 6 and 10 July 2011.

Road Policing Unit, Sergeant Jim Pryde, said: "There is no doubt that there will be delays, particularly on the final day after the event, but the organisers have devised a traffic management plan, following weeks of meetings with Police and partner agencies, which is designed to reduce congestion on the A96.

"However, we would urge any motorists who are not attending the golf to take an alternative route and avoid the A96 between 7 and 11 July."

He added: "There will be a regular shuttle bus service from Inverness city centre and where possible we would encourage people to use this service, taxis or car share. This will help reduce the amount of traffic heading to and from the event."

Police are also reminding those attending that the Scottish Open is a fully licensed event and that if they plan to drink alcohol that they make arrangements to get home safely. Police will deal robustly with anyone caught drink driving during or after the event.

There will be an increased Police presence on all routes to and from the event.

Police are also advising golf fans to think about personal and vehicle security ahead of the Barclay's Scottish Open.

The event is expected to attract around 20,000 golf fans each day and many of the spectators will be travelling by car and parking at the designated car parks at Castle Stuart.

With that in mind Police are reminding people not to leave any valuables on display inside their vehicles whilst they are at the event which might attract opportunist thieves.

Officers will be at the event to ensure public safety and Police are aware that the event may attract unwanted criminals to the area, such as pick pockets and other criminals trying to sell counterfeit golfing goods to unsuspecting golf fans.

Inverness Detective Inspector Brian Mackay said: "Golf fans can play their part in crime prevention at the event by not leaving anything of value on display inside their vehicles.

"Whilst at the event we would encourage that all those attending look after their personal belongings.

"We will have officers on duty at the event who will deal with any incidents, and their presence will assist in ensuring that the event remains as crime free as possible."

Northern Constabulary's new Chief Constable, George Graham, has said: "Of course there will be unscrupulous individuals who may want to take advantage of the Scottish Open, there always are.

"But our intention will be to try to prevent them from arriving at Castle Stuart in the first place, because they are not welcome."

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