Police column: Genesis Scottish Open was a great success

The event saw my colleague and predecessor Chief Inspector Jocelyn O’Connor make a welcome return to East Lothian as event commander.

I’m pleased to say that the event appears to have been a resounding success, with the hard work on planning and organisation across the partnership all contributing to this.

Over 20 years ago, I was fortunate enough to go to St Andrews University, which is also known as the ‘home of golf’, and enjoyed playing many of the courses, there including the Old Course. My golf is not what it was with the demands of working and family life, and now might fall into the category of a good walk spoiled; however, I do live in hope that I can improve.

Rory McIlroy won the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club (Image: Gordon Bell)

East Lothian rightly lays claim to being the ‘golf coast’ of Scotland and events such as the Scottish Open do bring a huge boost to the county through the additional visitors and exposure they receive, which in turn adds to the already-excellent reputation of East Lothian as a popular tourist and leisure destination.

I recognise, though, that the increased traffic and disruption to the road network amongst other things will have been difficult for some and many of you will have had normal routines disrupted.

As a partnership there has been extensive planning and consultation undertaken with local communities in order to try to achieve a plan which works for both visitors and residents alike.

Following the event, there will be the opportunity to provide feedback and take part in further engagement locally through community councils and community and police partnership meetings, therefore I would encourage feedback through these forums, whether it is positive or negative.