The cost of sending a delegation led by First Minister Alex Salmond to the Ryder Cup golf tournament in America was almost £470,000, the Scottish government has said. The trip in September was part of a plan to "maximise the economic benefits" of hosting the cup in Scotland in 2014. The government estimates the event will generate about £100m for the economy. Opposition parties criticised the costs as excessive. In a written response to a question from Labour, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop stated: "The overall cost of Team Scotland's participation at the 2012 Ryder Cup was £468,580 and every effort was made to minimise costs including liaising with partner organisations to secure preferred rates where possible and identifying in-kind support. "The Team Scotland approach in Chicago will help ensure we maximise the economic benefits of hosting the Ryder Cup in 2014 which will generate at least £100m for the Scottish economy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-20538417 please log in to view this image
