Shaun McAllister has high hopes as he targets Aviemore

It's the 22-year-old's first appearance on the European Challenge Tour since he played in the same event 12 months ago and he knows it's a golden opportunity.

The event carries a prize fund of 195,000 and it can open doors to some of the other big events coming up on the second-tier schedule.

"If I can secure a good finish this week, it can totally change my schedule for the rest of the year and that's what I'm looking for," said McAllister.

The Craigielaw player missed the cut at Macdonald Spey Valley by six shots last year after two 74s.

He admitted it's a tough task trying to compete with Challenge Tour regulars once every 12 months but is delighted to have secured an invite once again.

"I made a nice start to my season on the EuroPro Tour by finishing 14th at Wensum Valley but have missed the last couple of cuts because I've been struggling with my putting," added the former Scottish Boys' Stroke-play champion.

"When I was younger putting always seemed to be quite simple but now it seems to have got into my head.

"I've been working on that this week and hopefully I'll reap the rewards in Aviemore.

"The cut was level-par last year so I probably need a couple of rounds of level or better.

"If I could make the cut that would take the pressure off me and I could then go out and give it a real go in the final two rounds."

The event in the Highlands also features Archerfield's Elliot Saltman as well as Mark Kerr (Murrayfield), John Gallagher (Swanston New), Neil Fenwick (Dunbar) and Ross Dixon (The Renaissance).

Saltman, who just missed out on a place in the BMW International Open in Munich, finished in a tie for 33rd a year ago, when George Murray lifted the title.