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 event with Barclays as title sponsor, 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, Scotland’s leading luxury jeweller and silversmith, 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 welcome and hospitality, will be presented to the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open 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.”
O’Grady commented: “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.
“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.”
Ian Stuart, Head of Barclays Corporate UK said: “We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Scottish public and the First Minister to stage the Barclays Scottish Open in Inverness. We are now looking forward with great anticipation to the start of the tournament at the beautiful Castle Stuart Golf Links. We have a field boasting some of the world’s finest golfing talents who will be watched by a passionate and knowledgeable crowd. This expertly crafted trophy is a wonderful commemoration of this important event on the golfing calendar.”
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.”
Designed and produced at the Company’s workshops above their showroom in Edinburgh, the new trophy is the product of months of hard work and creativity.
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. Nicola’s 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 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.
As well as the classic collections stocked in both the London and Edinburgh stores, Hamilton & Inches’ silversmiths have been commissioned, over the years, to make other spectacular pieces of silver.
Past commissions have included a centrepiece and candlesticks used at Bute House, the residence of the First Minister of Scotland; a silver gilt crown for the Lord Lyon King of Arms, made to mark Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee and The Triple Crown Trophy commissioned by Royal Bank of Scotland in 2006.
All four days of the Barclays Scottish Open will be broadcast live on both BBC Television (July 9 and 10) and Sky Sports (July 7 and 8) with extensive highlights on both channels.
Barclays Scottish Open www.barclaysscottishopen.co.uk
Hamilton & Inches www.hamiltonandinches.com