New Scottish Open Trophy unveiled by Salmond
A brand new trophy for the Barclays Scottish Open which tees off a week today at Castle Stuart Golf Links by Inverness has been unveiled by the First Minister Alex Salmond.
Mr Salmond visited the flagship store of Hamilton and Inches in Edinburgh where he got his hands on the trophy which manyf the world's top golfers including Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Phil Mickleson will be competing for.
The new Barclays Scottish Open trophy is a traditional Scottish Quaich and will be presented to the new champion on Sunday July 10.
First Minister Alex 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."
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."
The new trophy is the product of months of hard work.
Hamilton & Inches' in-house designer, Nicola Williams produced designs for a traditional Scottish Quaich; lidded and set with the emblem of the Scottish Open and a symbol of welcome and hospitality.
Her designs were then brought to life using a team of silversmiths, chasers, engravers and polishers headed up by workshop manager Jon Hunt, who has over 30 years’ experience in the industry.
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 entire trophy sits on a large round base of polished Scottish Elm and weighs over seven kilograms.