Fife clubs in unique partnership

Quartet club together to mark Scotland's 'Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology' in 2017

By Michael McEwan

Four Scottish golf clubs have joined forces to produce a series of special events and historic milestones to mark Scotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology in 2017.

Ladybank, Crail, Lundin and Scotscraig - who have a combined golfing legacy stretching back over 700 years - have collaborated on 'Links with History' to shine a light on 'golf's golden era'.

Scotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is designed to shine a light on Scotland's greatest assets, icons and hidden gems. As 'Links With History' is a culmination of remarkable histories and outstanding courses, it is fitting that its year of celebration should form a key part of Scotland's current themed year.

LEGACY

Welcoming the clubs' efforts, Malcolm Roughhead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: ì2017 is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland's fascinating stories, heritage heroes and unique experiences as part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology celebrations.

With a legacy that spans six centuries, there is no finer place to play a round of golf than in the country where it was invented. The activity from Links With History will be a fantastic addition to what is already set to be a packed programme of events for both locals and visitors alike.

The year ahead promises to be memorable for each of the clubs in the partnership, not least Scotscraig, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2017.

Founded in 1817, it is the world's 13th oldest golf club and, as its managing secretary Barrie Liddle noted, it is appropriate that it should mark the milestone with some special events.

This is going to be a massive year for Scotscraig,î he said. ìWe have a full year of bicentennial festivities planned, ranging from special tournaments and open days to grand matches and fabulous opportunities to play the course.

CELEBRATORY

We have been preparing for this for quite some time with formal and informal events to suit members and welcome the public. The opportunity to tie our events into Scotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is a fantastic excuse to celebrate Scotland's communal past.

Alistair McDonald, the secretary at Lundin Golf Club, echoed Liddle's sentiments, saying: ìA club with this kind of history means we often have occasions to mark, and 2017 is no exception. This celebratory theme will definitely set the tone for 2018 and our 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is the latest 'theme year' devised by VisitScotland. Designed to celebrate 'the best of Scotland and its people', previous theme years have included the Year of Homecoming (2014), the Year of Food & Drink (2015), and the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design' (2016).

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