The countdown to the 2011 Scottish Open began in earnest this afternoon as Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond revealed the championship’s new trophy design.

Taking place at Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness for the first time in its ten year history, the event also welcomes a new main sponsor – English based bank Barclay’s.

The new trophy has been designed by Edinburgh based silversmiths Hamilton & Inches and is based on the shape of a traditional Scottish drinking vessel; a Quaich.

Speaking at Hamilton & Inches offices in Edinburgh, Salmond said he hoped the Open – which takes place from July 7-10 – would provide ‘another chance to showcase some of the best of Scotland to the rest of the world’.

Alongside the First Minister at the unveiling were George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour and Ian Stuart, Head of Barclays Corprate UK.