A warm welcome for visitors from around the globe is being rolled out in Perth and Kinross as preparations for one of the world’s great sporting occasions gather pace.
With a global television audience running into hundreds of millions, attracting the Ryder Cup to Gleneagles has presented a once-in-a-generation marketing opportunity.
While Gleneagles has been the centre of preparations for next year’s Ryder Cup, signs heralding the event will appear on roads throughout the district in the coming weeks.
Council leader Councillor Ian Miller unveiled the first of the signs on the A94 between Meigle and Forfar.
“Perth and Kinross has developed a great reputation for hosting major events in recent years, from the G8 Summit to T in the Park,” he said.
“We are very excited, therefore, about the prospect of the Ryder Cup being held at Gleneagles in 2014.
“By putting up these signs we are taking another step to welcoming this prestigious sporting event to the area and letting residents and visitors alike know the Ryder Cup is coming to Gleneagles next year.”
Around 18 signs are being erected, mainly on A roads at the council area’s boundaries, including the trunk road network, over the next few months.
Transport minister Keith Brown said: “It is exciting to see this sign being unveiled as the countdown continues towards the Ryder Cup next year.
“Our trunk road network will play a vital part in helping tens of thousands of visitors to get around in 2014 and Transport Scotland is continuing preparations to welcome spectators and make sure that they see the best that Gleneagles and the surrounding area has to offer.”
The importance of the Ryder Cup to the economy in Scotland and Perth and Kinross is massive the latest estimates put the figure at around £100 million.
Around 45,000 spectators are expected each day, around 200,000 over the week in September. Demand for accommodation has been intense with fans prepared to travel considerable distances to see history made.
The lucky golf fans will learn next month whether they have been successful in getting tickets through the official ballot.