Move to ease traffic impact at Castle Stuart golf event

Castle Stuart golf course

PLANS to prevent traffic problems during The Barclays Scottish Open Golf Championship in July could include extra trains and park and ride facilities.

The aim is to reduce the number of vehicles using the A96 and surrounding roads to reach the Castle Stuart Golf Links.

Although details have still to be finalised, Culloden and Ardersier councillor Bob Wynd said councillors have been working closely with Inverness city manager David Haas to address some of the issues raised. "We have been looking at putting traffic lights at the end of Barn Church Road in Inverness where it joins the A96," said Councillor Wynd.

"Obviously there will be anticipated park and ride locations and we’re looking at a possible park and ride at North Kessock and also one in an area for people coming from the South. And we anticipate bus fleets organised going to the event."

Maps to let golf fans know the best route to and from the event may also be created in the hope of easing possible congestion and stewards will be on hand to direct visitors.

Despite acknowledging there are only three months to go until the event, Councillor Wynd is confident all the arrangement can be made in time. "It’s being well organised and we’re really delighted to have this in Inverness," he stated. "We are all working together to make a success of it. This is going to be the first year and I have no doubt that we will learn one or two things for future years."

Councillor Roddy Balfour believes there is still a lot of work to be done. "We’ve still got a lot of signs to go up," he said. "But the early plans are quite positive and everyone is quite happy."

With regard to the increase in traffic to Inverness, Councillor Balfour said the focus would be on the main Inverness Airport roundabout on the A96. "We’re trying to keep traffic to a minimum as it could be horrific on the Saturday," he said. "The A96 is the main route that goes up to the airport roundabout and the problem will be people coming from the south. We’re in the early stages but the airport roundabout will be the hub for traffic."

Mr Haas, and director of planning Stuart Black, will present a report and invite councillors to endorse the golf tournament at a meeting of Inverness city committee on Monday.

Plans to adorn the city with bunting and banners, as well as the possibility of street entertainment to welcome visitors to the city, are also in preparation.

With the clock ticking down to the tournament, held from 7th to the 10th July, Barclays Scottish Open Golf championship director, Peter Adams, said ticket sales had been positive.

"Interest for the forthcoming event has been very encouraging and we are very pleased with the response from the local community," said Mr Adams. "Ticket sales have been good so far but it is really too early to say what the final attendance will be.

"We hope the tournament will be extremely popular with the players and the spectators and we are sure that both will enjoy the Barclays Scottish Open played at its new links venue at Castle Stuart."