Hotels, bars and restaurants in Inverness are reaping the benefits of surging visitor numbers during the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
A detailed assessment of the first Scottish Open at Castle Stuart found that it brought £3.7million into the Inverness and Nairn areas alone, with £370,000 spent further afield in the Highlands.
The figures are expected to be similar – if not higher – this year with thousands flocking to the region during the four-day event.
Yesterday Inverness BID chairman Mike Smith said: “There has been a lot of increase in footfall in the city centre. It’s been particularly in the evening, with people spending their money in restaurants, bars and pubs. There have also been a lot of people having breakfast in the city centre and then using the free shuttle bus service to get out to the event.
“It’s impossible to get a room in the city at the moment. I was in Academy Street and met a couple from Majorca who are here especially for the Scottish Open, and I was giving them direction to their bed and breakfast. If you go online everywhere is full for the weekend.
“There have been a lot of benefits and it’s great to have an event like this up here. Credit has to go to the organisers and club for running this event so smoothly”.
Graeme Bell, general manager of Inverness Airport, said that there was a “palpable buzz” at the airport as guests fly into Inverness for the event, adding: “We’ve noticed a marked increase in passengers on scheduled flights and continue to welcome a steady stream of private jets. We’re very proud to be the first to welcome our visitors from all over the UK, as well as those who have travelled internationally, and wish all well for a successful Scottish Open 2016”.
Steve Walker, managing director for Stagecoach North Scotland which operates the free shuttle bus, said: “The shuttle has been popular with visitors to the tournament over the opening days and we are delighted to be working with the Scottish Open to be providing this service.”
Crowds for the first two days of this year’s event were slightly down on the previous three opening days at Castle Stuart – but numbers are expected to surge over the weekend.
Peter Adams, championship director of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, said: “With the likes of Branden Grace, Padraig Harrington, Russell Knox and Martin Kaymer all featuring prominently on a high quality leaderboard, and Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson both making the cut after strong performances on day two, we’re expecting to welcome healthy crowds to Castle Stuart over the weekend.
“After both his rounds Russell has praised the fans for the amazing support he has received, and I’m sure the people of Inverness will again turn out to cheer their local hero”.