Shane Lowry remains just 2 shots off the lead on day one of the Scottish Open.

Lowry carded a 6-under par 66 at Castle Stewart to hold a share of third place behind out-right leader John Parry, who birdied the 18th for a one-shot lead over Simon Khan on 8-under.

Among the afternoon starters, European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley found some form - he was on 5-under par after 10 holes.

Ahead of next week's Open Championship, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els are the only two players in the 25 in the world rankings in this week's field.

Graeme McDowell was one of several high-profile players that chose not to compete at Castle Stewart after he claimed that the tournament had lost its prestige since it moved to the course near Inverness.

But Lowry believes that this week's event is as good a way as any other to prepare for next week's action at Muirfield...