Glasgow’s Andrew McArthur is determined to make the most of his late call up to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Gullane.

The 36-year-old looked like he would miss out on the golfing party in East Lothian after failing to make the grade in the 36-hole qualifier at North Berwick.

But the former Scottish Amateur champ was handed a major boost when he was afforded the final invitation to the £3.25million bash by the sponsors.

Many had expected the place to be given to Scottish rookie Bradley Neil, last year’s Amateur champ, or US-based highlander Jimmy Gunn, who made the cut in the US Open.

But McArthur was given the nod as the highest-ranked Scot on the world rankings who was not already in the field.

The two-time Challenge Tour winner said: “I’m delighted obviously, but it’s now up to me to go out and try to do it justice and show people it was a good decision to give me the invitation.”

McArthur, who has been competing on both the main European Tour and the second-tier Challenge Tour this season, is relishing the prospect of competitive action in the links arena.

The Windyhill member has been getting back in the swing recently with Open qualifying at Gailes and the Scottish Open shoot-out at North Berwick.

McArthur wasn’t successful in those two contests, but he reckons the links tune-up will stand him in good stead this week.

He added: “Playing on the European and Challenge Tours, it takes a wee while to get used to links golf again, but having played a couple of links courses recently, I feel I’m getting there.

“I think I reached the semi- finals of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Gullane in 2004 and I love the place. It’s one of my favourite places.”

McArthur has enjoyed a second and a third on the Challenge Tour this season while he has posted two top-20 finishes on the main European circuit.

Now, he’s looking to continue his good form on home soil as he makes his first appearance as a professional in the Scottish Open.

He said: “This is an oppor- tunity to savour. I’ve had a solid start to the season and I feel a lot more comfortable now on Tour. Hopefully I can do something decent this week.”