Dispatch Trophy gets green light for 2016 staging

The development heralds a new chapter for the four-player event, which was first staged in 1890 and, barring war years, has been played every year since.

“It is wonderful news that the Dispatch Trophy, one of the iconic events on the Capital’s sporting scene, will go ahead as planned,” said Ian Stewart, editorial director of The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and the Edinburgh Evening News.

The event had been in doubt following Edinburgh Leisure insisting on an additional £40 per team but, through it taking over both the administration and running of the tournament, the entry will remain at £70. The closing date for entries is April 30, with the draw being made on May 4. The event takes place on May 21, 22, 24, 26 and 28.

“We believe the clubs who have been loyal supporters of the Dispatch Trophy will be delighted with this news and hope they continue to stay behind it,” added Stewart.

Hailes won the 2015 event, the Kingsknowe club bridging a 40-year gap as they beat Silverknowes in a dramatic last-green conclusion to the tournament’s 116th staging.