Inverness will welcome a number of the world’s best squash players when it hosts next year’s Springfield Scottish Open.
The PSA sanctioned event, which is Scotland’s flagship squash tournament, will take place at Inverness Tennis and Squash Club from August 25-29.
The open was held for the first time in 18 years at Oriam near Edinburgh last year, however with squash having been suspended due to coronavirus, the event will now return in the Highlands next summer.
The tournament will have a prize fund of around £15,000 up for grabs, which will be equally split between male and female players.
Inverness squash player Alasdair Prott, who is a nine-time Scottish Junior champion, said: “It’s fantastic having the Springfield Scottish Squash Open coming to Inverness.
“Inverness Tennis and Squash Club has been a big part of my life and to play a professional tournament here would mean a lot to me.
“The club is a great venue for a tournament like this and it will be brilliant for people in the area and across Scotland to come along and witness some great squash.”
Allan McKay, Head of Competitions at Scottish Squash, said: “We are thrilled to see the Springfield Scottish Squash Open return to the calendar in 2021.
“Our partnership with Springfield Properties has gone from strength to strength since the delivery of the first event last year and we are proud of our partnership with one of Scotland’s leading home builders.
“The Highlands has a strong history of developing Scotland international squash players so being able to bring world class squash to the area only seems right.
“Inverness is an incredible place to visit and we have no doubt that Inverness Tennis and Squash Club will provide the perfect stage for both the players and spectators.”
Sandy Adam, Chairman of Springfield Properties, said: “The Springfield Scottish Squash Open in Edinburgh last year was a great success which welcomed squash players from all over the world and gave up and coming Scottish players the opportunity to compete at such a high level. We’re pleased to continue working with Scottish Squash to make next year’s event in Inverness a must for squash fans.”