Golfing gold

Tavish Scott rightly looks forward to the Open Championship at Muirfield this summer while highlighting the need to capitalise on Scotland’s golfing heritage (Perspective, 9 May).

The value of golf tourism to the Scottish economy cannot be underestimated – £191 million a year, at last count – and the influx of golf enthusiasts into the Lothians this July will undoubtedly provide a boost locally and nationally.

Of course, the following month, we will welcome over a million visitors to Edinburgh, here to enjoy the world’s greatest arts festivals.

Edinburgh’s 12 festivals are worth £261m to the national economy each year. This is why, despite unprecedented pressures on the council budget this year, we refused to cut their funding.

As the countdown to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 continues, we will maintain a close working relationship with the Scottish ­Government, its agencies and our other partners to ensure that, collectively, we promote everything our fabulous nation has to offer.

(Cllr) Steve Cardownie

Festivals & Events
Champion

City of Edinburgh Council