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2011 Scottish Open
29/06/2011
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond today unveiled a new trophy for the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open golf championship, which takes place in Inverness from July 7 - 10.
The trophy has been designed by Edinburgh silversmith and jeweller Hamilton and Inches.
Visiting the company's flagship store, Mr Salmond said:
"Scotland is known worldwide as the home of golf, and the Barclays Scottish Open is another chance to showcase some of the best of Scotland to the rest of the world. The eyes of millions of golf fans across the globe will be on the tournament's new home at Castle Stuart as some of the game's top names compete on this spectacular course.
"This beautiful new trophy takes the form of a quaich, a traditional symbol of the warm welcome for which Scotland is renowned. It has been designed and made exclusively here in Scotland, reflecting the very best of our country's artistic inspiration and craftsmanship. It is a world class trophy for a world class event."
George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour said:
"The Barclays Scottish Open has a long and celebrated heritage, and from next month the championship will also have a challenging links venue on the shores of the Moray Firth and an impressive new trophy by Hamilton & Inches, both entirely in keeping with the stature of the event.
"We are delighted that the First Minister is so supportive of what has become a truly world class golf tournament during a decade of Barclays sponsorship, and of the Tour's exciting first venture to the Highlands of Scotland. The trophy is a symbol of friendship and hospitality and we will extend a very warm welcome to everyone visiting Castle Stuart for the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open next month."
Ian Stuart, Head of Barclays Corporate UK said: "
"We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Scottish public and the First Minister to stage the Barclays Scottish Open in Inverness. We are now looking forward with great anticipation to the start of the tournament at the beautiful Castle Stuart Golf Links. We have a field boasting some of the world's finest golfing talents who will be watched by a passionate and knowledgeable crowd. This expertly crafted trophy is a wonderful commemoration of this important event on the golfing calendar."
Hamilton & Inches' Managing Director, Stephen Paterson said:
"We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have been given the opportunity to make this trophy which befits such a special event. We are also pleased that the trophy is being made here in Scotland, the ancestral home of golf. The finished product is contemporary yet timeless and we feel will always be well received at any of the future locations of the tournament."