New trophy for new Scottish Open venue

New trophy, new venue: The new Scottish Open trophy is unvelied before the event at Castle Stuart from July 7-10

First Minister unveils new trophy in form of traditional Scottish quaich

A new era in the distinguished history of the Barclays Scottish Open will begin when the championship moves north from Loch Lomond to Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness from July 7-10.

And as a prelude to the tenth edition of the prestigious European Tour event, a brand new trophy befitting the world class calibre of the event  – appropriately designed and fashioned exclusively in Scotland by Hamilton & Inches – was unveiled in Edinburgh today by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond.

The First Minister visited the flagship store of Hamilton and Inches, where he, along with George O’Grady, chief executive of The European Tour, and Ian Stuart, head of Barclays Corporate UK, were met by Stephen Paterson, managing director of Hamilton & Inches.

The superb new Barclays Scottish Open trophy, which is a traditional Scottish Quaich – or drinking vessel – a historic symbol of Scottish hospitality, will be presented to the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open champion on Sunday, July 10.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the new trophy appropriately illustrated the nation’s heritage as the home of golf.

“The Barclays Scottish Open is another chance to showcase some of the best of Scotland to the rest of the world,” said Salmond.

“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.”

European Tour chief executive George O’Grady echoed The First Minister’s sentiments, and paid tribute to the SNP leader’s continuing support of Scotland’s national game.

“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,” said O’Grady.

“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.”

The bowl has been made from a single sheet of sterling silver that has been hand spun, raised and then beaten to create a hammered and more contemporary finish.  The lid consists of stylised and inter-twined Scottish thistles  which have been cut out of the silver and “chased” to create a three dimensional  effect across the top.  The inside of the bowl is gilded with 18ct yellow gold and can be seen through the pierced design of the quaich lid. The entire trophy sits on a large round base of polished Scottish Elm and weighs over seven kilograms.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered