Highland Council welcomes Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open return to Inverness

The Highland Council has warmly welcomed the announcement that Castle Stuart Links, near Inverness, will again host the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

First Minister Alex Salmond revealed at the Scottish Open on Saturday that the Scottish Government and Aberdeen Asset Management will continue to sponsor the European Tour event between 2015-2017 and that Castle Stuart is guaranteed to host the event between this period and possibly in 2016.

The event will be held at Royal Aberdeen Golf Course, Aberdeen in 2014.  The two other venues to host the events between 2015-17 will be links courses to the east and west of Central Scotland, yet to be determined.

Council Convener, Councillor Jimmy Gray, was in attendance at the Castle Stuart Links when he was told that the Scottish Open would be returning to the Highlands.

He said: “What terrific news from the Scottish Government and Aberdeen Asset Management that they are to continue sponsorship of the Scottish Open until 2017.  This is great news for the Highlands and a huge vote of confidence in the Castle Stuart Links, which have looked absolutely fabulous this week and won such great praise from players, spectators and television viewers.

“The crowds have been excellent and the television coverage to a worldwide audience has confirmed Castle Stuart as a great venue for golf and the Highlands as a great place to visit. 

“It has been a real thrill to watch the best players from The European Tour on the outstanding links course and its beautiful surroundings and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the not too distant future.”