Mark Finlayson eased to a narrow win in the opening event of the Tartan Tour's Linksland Series at Kingsbarns Golf Club.

The Edzell Golf professional posted a level-par 72 and won the #540 top prize by a shot from James McGhee of Turnhouse Golf Club and former Challenge Tour winner David Patrick of Elie Golf Club.

Finlayson had been three-under-par coming to the closing stretch after a run of birdies at the 11th, 12th and 13th.

A trio of dropped shots at 14, 15 and 17 threatened to ruin his title chances but the Angus man held on for a slender triumph.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club's Greg McBain, the 2008 Scottish Young Professional Golfer No.1, had to settle for a share of 20th after a 79.