Scottish Open generated £5m for country's economy

The Scottish Open generated more than £5m for the country's economy last year, according to new figures.

More than 40,000 attended the three-day event which was held at the Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness last year, the first time it has taken place in the Highlands.

Despite the severe weather which forced organisers to cut play from 72 holes to 54 for the first time in its history, the Scottish Open will return to the Highlands for the next two years.

The Open generated £3.7m in Inverness and Nairn, £370,000 elsewhere in the Highlands and an extra £1m in other parts of Scotland.

The majority of spending went on overnight accommodation, food and drink, according to the study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Scott Murray, HIE development manager, said: "The Scottish Open was hailed a success despite exceptional weather conditions cutting the event short.

"The majority of spectators in 2011 came from Scotland but we are expecting more visitors will come from further afield this year due to positive media coverage and a longer lead in time before the event.

"The international media coverage has underlined the status of the Highlands and Islands as a golf destination in addition to wider tourism and raised profile of Castle Stuart as a 'must play' course.

"This economic impact assessment gives us a baseline to work from and suggests areas where we can improve in promoting the area and generating more economic benefits - for not just the Inverness and Nairn area but across the Highlands and Islands."

Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland regional director, said: "The Scottish Open at Castle Stuart was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the Highlands as a top quality tourism product to a global audience.

"The event brought thousands of visitors to the area last summer, and provided a real boost to the local economy.

"We are also absolutely delighted that the event will be returning to Castle Stuart this year and are very much looking forward to hosting it again."

IN DETAIL