PRESS RELEASE 28 October 2002

MAJOR TOURISM AWARD FOR ST ANDREWS LINKS

St Andrews Links Trust has won a prestigious award in the tourism industry's Scottish Thistle Awards, which are seen as the benchmark for excellence in tourism.

The Links Trust was one of three finalists in the Skills For Success category which was open to companies with over 20 staff. The judges assessed how effectively a company ensures its staff has the necessary skills to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction.

Among the Trust's recent activities praised by the judges were achieving Investors in People, creating a new in-house customer care training course and developing the first ever formal training scheme for caddies.

"We are delighted to have received this award which underlines our long-term commitment to supporting our staff and encouraging teamwork in order to deliver a high level of service to our customers," said Alan McGregor, general manager of the Links Trust. "With around 250 staff based in different locations around the Links and 250 licensed caddies, it is a challenge to ensure we are performing consistently and well. We strive constantly to exceed the expectations of our customers before, during and after their visit to St Andrews Links."

Alan McGregor, General Manager

Ends
Issued by Carolyne Nurse, Communications Manager, St Andrews Links Trust, Pilmour House, St Andrews KY16 9SF. Telephone 01334 466666.