THIRTEEN East Lothian golf courses have been ranked among the best in Scotland.

The Golf World Scotland Top 100 Courses has just been revealed, with Muirfield and North Berwick both making the top five.

The list puts Muirfield at number three, with the West Links at North Berwick two spots further back.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesman for tourism and economic development, said: “It’s great news for Scotland’s Golf Coast that we have 13 of our courses featuring in Golf World’s Top 100 in Scotland.

“It’s notable that Muirfield, our Open venue, is sitting at number three in Scotland and well done to North Berwick for taking the number five spot.

“These rankings are sure to attract a worldwide interest in our wonderful golf offering and will give our golf tourism industry a welcome profile boost.”

The rankings were revealed as East Lothian gets ready to host the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open for a fourth consecutive year.

The tournament, which takes place from July 8 to 11, has been held at The Renaissance Club for the last three years, with Gullane Golf Club hosting the prestigious event in 2018.

Other East Lothian courses in the top 100 were: Gullane No. 1 (22, down one place), The Renaissance Club (29, no change), Dunbar (36, up three), Luffness (41, down one), Gullane No. 2 (42, down one), Kilspindie (43, up 16), Archerfield Fidra (45, down 10), Archerfield Dirleton (67, down 10), The Glen (82, up eight), Longniddry (83, down four) and Gullane No. 3 (88, new entry).

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, who represents the North Berwick Coastal ward, which is home to 11 of the 13 county courses on the list, runs a company which provides golf tours to overseas visitors to the UK.

He said: “As far as the top 100 is concerned, it demonstrates that Scotland’s Golf Coast is Scotland’s premier golfing destination.

“It is fundamental to the East Lothian tourism product and supports our accommodation providers, pubs and restaurants.”