The Scottish Government has awarded £100,000 in funding to help promote a major new European golf tournament in the north-east.
Tourism agency VisitScotland will use the money to raise public awareness about the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay which is being held at Murcur Links Golf Club in Aberdeenshire in July.
The event – named after the Aberdeen-based golf legend – will bring together a 64-man field, competing for a £1million prize.
Sports Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Scotland is seen around the world as the home of golf and 2015 is gearing up to be as exciting as last year.
“Following the success of the Ryder Cup, this summer will see the Open, Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, Ricoh Women’s British Open and the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay event all take place in Scotland.
“Aberdeen hosted its first European Tour event last year with the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and I’m delighted this new event will help keep the success going.
“This funding, managed through VisitScotland, will help raise the profile of this new event which will bring many benefits to an area becoming increasingly renowned for its quality golf product.”
The announcement was welcomed by Mr Lawrie, 46, a former Open champion who runs a foundation to encourage youngsters to play golf to the best of their ability.
“I’m delighted with the announcement that the Scottish Government will lend its support to the event and it will be great to have VisitScotland on board as a partner,” he added.
“There are some fantastic golf events taking place in Scotland in 2015 so we are grateful to receive this financial contribution to help make our event a success in its inaugural year.”
George O’Grady, chief executive of The European Tour, said the funding announcement further enhanced a long running partnership between the two organisations.
“We also enjoyed an excellent working relationship with VisitScotland during the build-up and the execution of The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles last year,” he added.
“I am confident this relationship will again be evident as we deliver the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay.”