Mr Fergusson attended the opening ceremony in the landscaped area in front of the Scottish Parliament – where the event starts and finishes.
He said: "This year’s route sets off and finishes next to the Scottish Parliament and is sure to be both exciting and challenging for participants, with tough climbs around one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive landmarks, Arthur’s Seat"
It is the first time the prestigious three-day sporting event has been held in the UK.
The Public Petitions Committee will make history as the first parliamentary committee to hold a meeting on the isle of Arran.
Community groups and school pupils from across the island have been invited to attend the meeting alongside members of the public. Two pupils from Arran High School will present their own petitions to the committee.
The meeting will take place on Monday 13 September at Arran High School in Lamlash.
Where should the balance lie between promoting animal welfare, controlling pests and supporting Scotland’s field sports industry?
This and other questions will be considered when the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee meets in Langholm for the first time next month.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and have their say at the event, which will take place at the town’s Buccleuch Centre on Tuesday 7 September, starting at 1.30pm.
A Scottish Parliament committee is calling for evidence as it scrutinises a Bill designed to set out a strategy for meeting the needs of persons in Scotland with autistic spectrum conditions.
