SCOTLAND’S FIRST Minister Alex Salmond gave his vote of approval to The Open at Carnoustie yesterday when he dined with legendary American golfer Jack Nicklaus and offered his full support to the efforts being made by Angus Council to capitalise on the presence of tens of thousands of golf fans from around the world.

Mr Salmond, whose predecessor Jack McConnell was also amongst those at the course to see the second day of competitive play, visited Angus Council’s Carnoustie Country promotional stand and spent a considerable time chatting with members of staff, council officers and elected members and with Angus Provost Ruth Leslie Melville.

As his visit luckily coincided with the best weather yet of the championship, Mr Salmond said, “It’s great to see the sun coming out for almost the whole day, especially after the way it has been over the first few days and the sun-starved summer we have been having.

“Having had a walk around I must say the course itself looks immaculate, although maybe with a bit less bounce to it than usual because of all the rain.

“Watching the television coverage before I got here the whole scene just looked quite majestic and now the big crowds have started to come for the championship proper, the atmosphere is really terrific.

“I am delighted that, through their Carnoustie Country promotional campaign, Angus Council are putting so much effort into spreading the message that this part of the country has so much to offer both golfers and other visitors and that they have taken the opportunity presented by The Open to tell the world.”