Paul Lawrie last night praised the performance of his countryman, Chris Doak, after he took charge of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

Doak, the Glasgow-born professional who won on the second-tier Challenge Tour last season, posted a six-under 66 for a 12-under 132 – the joint-lowest halfway total in Scottish Open history – as his bid for a maiden victory on the main European circuit gathered pace. Colin Montgomerie was the last Scotsman to win the national championship in 1999 and Lawrie, who survived the cut on the four-under limit, is eager to see that 14-year barren run end.

He said: "It's a great performance from Chris Doak. Obviously he's been on and off the tour for a few years now but 12-under and leading the Scottish Open? He'll be a happy boy and let's hope that one of the Scottish boys can kick on over the weekend and win the tournament."

Doak, who has twice been a winner of the Tartan Tour's Northern Open, leads by a shot from Ross Fisher, Matthew Southgate, JB Hansen and Peter Uihlein. Doak, who has worked his way up through the ranks after dominating the domestic PGA circuit, maintains his tough schooling on the Challenge Tour has played a major part in his development.

"The first time on tour after coming through qualifying school, I was a bit wet behind the ears," said Doak, who played in last month's US Open. "But the Challenge Tour taught me how to play. I keep getting told that if something is worth learning, it takes time. It has been a good learning experience and hopefully it's coming together now."

Phil Mickelson lags four shots behind Doak on eight-under, while Ernie Els, who defends his Open title at Muirfield next week, missed the halfway cut.