Scotland looked down on the rest of Europe after a fine day ended with three of the country's finest occupying the top four places in the Volvo PGA Championship.

Not for many a year has the challenge from north of the Border been so strong in such a prestigious event. Then, for good measure, leader Colin Montgomerie took the opportunity to have a dig at the English for their international football's teams embarrassing draw against Saudi Arabia.

All that was missing were the strains of ''Braveheart'' as the tartan players made their mark at Wentworth.

The European No.1, Montgomerie, led the charge. Resuming in the same majestic form of the previous day, where he closed with two birdies and an eagle, he posted a 65 for 11-under par and a 205 total to take charge of the tournament he has never won.

However, three games behind, Paisley's Dean Robertson produced a great finish by birdieing the last five holes for a 67 and a share of second place with Swede Mats Halberg one shot off the pace.

Playing partner Gary Orr lost #20 in a side bet to his close friend but was, nevertheless, delighted with his bogey-free 68 which left him tied in third place with South African Ernie Els and Englishman David Gilford.

Andrew Coltart would have been on the same mark but for three-putting the last green which meant he dropped to a share of seventh place.

Montgomerie, who will play with Robertson today, is certain that 15-under will be good enough to rectify a glaring omission on his CV.

On the tartan take-over, he insisted: ''We have a good set of players coming through. I played with Raymond Russell in the World Cup where we came second and Andrew Coltart has won an event this season.

''I think we are doing all right - just like our football team. At least we can score goals and I do believe Colombia are a better team than the Saudis.''

Just as Montgomerie was starting out, Seve Ballesteros walked off the last green with a 65, which earned rapturous applause and rekindled memories of his greatest days.

Montgomerie, although three shots ahead of the Spaniard, still regards him as a threat. Captaining the winning Ryder Cup team, he explained, had drained him more than he imagined but he was now able to focus totally on recovering his form.

''He is a funny name to get rid of. Obviously he has a great chance of winning it - and he knows it. I am delighted for him. The European Tour needs Seve and we have missed him.

''He is the most charismatic player to play the game, and in terms of natural talent and I think you could say no-one has as much natural talent as he has.''

Former Walker Cup player Robertson, 27, displayed patience and determination during the first nine holes when his swing became too quick and he lost some of his rhythm. However, when he picked up a shot on the par-five twelfth, it sparked a run of six birdies over the next seven holes to haul him into contention for the biggest cheque of his career.

''It was pretty spectacular stuff,'' he said, ''but playing with Gary (Orr) helped as we spurred each other on.

''I will be nervous tomorrow because I was nervous today, but this is what you are here for,'' he admitted. ''Monty talks about his majors but this is mine. It will be a whole new experience but you have to be ready some time.

''I have nothing to lose.''

That was the same theme echoed by Orr, who has been solid and composed throughout his three rounds.

Els would have shared top billing but for messing up the 466-yds fifteenth where he was forced to drop under penalty after having driven into a ditch then three-putting for a double-bogey.

''That was a bit of a jolt and I will need to play better and shoot 66 tomorrow to have any chance of winning with the way Colin is playing.''

205 - C Montgomerie 70, 70, 65.

206 - D Robertson 70, 69, 67; M Hallberg (Sweden) 68, 69, 69.

207 - G Orr 70, 69, 68; D Gilford 70, 69, 68; E Els (S Africa) 69, 69, 69.

208 - S Ballesteros (Spain) 72, 71, 65; P Harrington 70, 69, 69; T Bjorn (Denmark) 70, 69, 69; G Turner (N Zealand) 70, 68, 70; A Coltart 72, 66, 70; P Lonard (Australia) 72, 65, 71; M Jonzon (Sweden) 66, 70, 72.

209 - P Sjoland (Sweden) 72, 71, 66; P McGinley 72, 69, 68.

210 - M Florioli (Italy) 75, 68, 67; J Coceres (Argentina) 73, 69, 68; W Westner (S Africa) 73, 69, 68; D Howell 68, 71, 71.

211 - P Price 71, 72, 68; V Phillips 70, 73, 68; M Roe 71, 71, 69; M James 69, 73, 69; P Senior (Australia) 72, 70, 69; L Westwood 71, 71, 69; J Van de Velde (France) 71, 71, 69; R Davis (Australia) 73, 69, 69; C Rocca (Italy) 71, 70, 70; C Watts 71, 69, 71; B Langer (Germany) 69, 70, 72.

212 - E Romero (Argentina) 70, 72, 70; S Torrance 70, 71, 71; G Brand Jr 71, 69, 72; K Tomori (Japan) 70, 70, 72; D Hospital (Spain) 69, 69, 74.

213 - R Claydon 71, 72, 70; J M Olazabal (Spain) 72, 71, 70; R Wessels (S Africa) 71, 71, 71; R Karlsson (Sweden) 71, 71, 71; J Lomas 71, 71, 71; S Leaney (Australia) 69, 73, 71; M McNulty (Zimabawe) 69, 72, 72; P-U Johansson (Sweden) 70, 71, 72; M Mackenzie 68, 71, 74.

Other scores included: 215 - S Lyle 69, 74, 72. 217 - I Woosnam 73, 70, 74; S Richardson 70, 73, 74.