The world famous Solheim Cup will go on display in Perth city centre this summer.
As part of the build-up to the prestigious tournament at Gleneagles later this year, the trophy will be displayed at Perth Museum and Art Gallery from Tuesday, July 2.
It will be unveiled by PGA Professional Karyn Dallas, the Scottish Girls National Coach. She will be joined at the launch by golfers from around Perth and Kinross.
To coincide with the cup’ presence in September, the museum will also tell the story of Perth’s Fairway Maid, Jessie Valentine.
Jessie’s lifelong golfing career, with championship wins at home and abroad throughout the 1930s and 1950s, led to her becoming a Scottish sporting legend.
Made an MBE for services to golf, she turned professional in the 1960s, using her skills to design golf clubs for women.
Speaking before the cup’s six-day display, Culture Perth and Kinross chief executive Helen Smout said: “We are really proud that Perth Museum and Art Gallery can be part of the biggest sporting event held in Scotland in 2019.
“It is fantastic that Scotland and Gleneagles will be hosting the Solheim Cup this year, and we welcome the opportunity to allow visitors the rare opportunity to see the trophy up close.”
She said: “With more than 100,000 spectators expected to attend, we hope that visitors from across the globe will take the opportunity to visit our venues as well as the fantastic golf courses Perth and Kinross is known the world over for.”
Council leader Murray Lyle added: “The opportunity to see the Solheim Cup in reality at Perth Museum and Art Gallery will help build the excitement as Perth and Kinross takes another step closer to welcoming this prestigious sporting event to the area.”
VisitScotland estimates that the all-female contest will be watched by 600 million TV viewers across the globe.
Regional leadership director for the tourism body Caroline Warburton said: “Perth Museum and Art Gallery is an excellent free attraction in the heart of the city of Perth and I’m delighted that they are playing host to the Solheim Cup trophy in July, giving visitors and local people the opportunity to see the Cup itself and learn more about this exciting event.”
