The 2014 Ryder Cup is on course to repeat the spectacular success of the Commonwealth Games, the First Minister Alex Salmond has said.
The FM today chaired the final meeting of The 2014 Ryder Cup steering group and, along with the Cabinet Secretary for Sport Shona Robison, saw work well underway at Gleneagles to prepare the site for the greatest golf tournament in the world.
Following the meeting, the First Minister said:
āWe are approaching the final hurdle in our preparations for hosting the Ryder Cup and Iām delighted to announce that, thanks to the progress made by all delivery partners, we are on course to deliver a brilliant event within budget.
āOn the back of hosting the greatest ever Commonwealth Games, Scotland is about to host another of the worldsā biggest sporting competitions and the 250,000 spectators coming during the week will, I am sure, generate the same support and noise that we saw in Glasgow. We will once again prove that Scotland is the perfect stage for major events.ā
Organisers have been working with Police Scotland and Perth & Kinross Council to ensure safety and security is in place for spectators and local residents and preparations are complete.
The upgraded Gleneagles railway station is ready to play a crucial role in the transport plan for the event, with 149 buses also transporting visitors using the Park and Ride facilities in Perth, Balado and Stirling to the front gates. Transport Scotland and Perth & Kinross council have in place robust plans to ensure visitors arrive smoothly.
Cllr Ian Miller, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said:
āWe are delighted to be hosting the worldās largest golfing event here in Perth and Kinross. Our communities have really got behind The 2014 Ryder Cup, with schools, golf clubs, bloom groups and businesses getting involved. On the ground, our officers have worked with partners to organise transport and planning and secure the smooth running of the event. I look forward to a fantastic competition.ā
