Scottish Open trophy to grace Highland tourism awards
THE legendary Scottish Open golf trophy will go on show at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards next week ahead of the European Tour event’s return to the region in 2016, organisers have revealed.
Both HITA and Scottish Open organisers declared it a fitting centrepiece for this year’s awards as the silver trophy takes the form of a Scottish quaich - a historic symbol of welcome and hospitality.
It will be on display at the HITA ceremony on Friday November 13 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness as part of the build-up to the 2016 Scottish Open from 7-10 July at Castle Stuart Golf Links, one of the biggest visitor events for the region next year.
This year’s HIT awards, which attracted a record number of entries and nominations, will be presented by Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing.
Mr Ewing said: "The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open is a major event which brings huge rewards for tourism and the economy. I am delighted this prestigious event is returning to Castle Stuart, where it has been an enormous success previously, as the benefits will be felt across the north of the country.
"2015 has been an exciting and successful year for tourism in the Highlands and Islands, as the unprecedented entry demonstrates, and the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open is just one reason to look forward to a great 2016."
Marina Huggett, chairwoman of HITA, said: "Our awards ceremony allows us to celebrate and reward the best in the industry over the last year. But we will also be looking forward to next year and the opportunities to improve further.
"The Scottish Open will bring thousands of people to the area and the exposure we get from media coverage will promote the area across the world and benefit us for many years to come.
"Having the Scottish Open trophy at the awards ceremony gives us an added attraction on the night, but also reminds us of the importance of this event for tourism operators and other businesses in the north of Scotland."
Robert Gordon, Head of European Tour Tickets and Commercial Director, Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, added: "We are delighted to bring the Scottish Open trophy to such a prestigious event and we look forward to working with the tourism industry to maximise benefits from the Scottish Open next year."
Friday’s event, to be hosted by celebrity chef Tony Singh, will see winners announced in 15 categories.
HITA is an industry-led scheme representing all sectors of tourism and supported by VisitScotland, Calor, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council, Loch Ness by Jacobite, Inverness Hotels Association, the Federation of Small Businesses, Ritsons, J Thomson, Scottish Provincial Press, Macleod and MacCallum, Chivas Brothers, and Lucid PR.
