Plans for a tribute to Sir Andy Murray are in the hands of the local community, as Stirling’s Provost proposes a community led initiative.
The proposal – brought forward by Council Leader Mike Robbins at yesterday’s (Tuesday, January 24) Civic Committee meeting – aims to commemorate Murray and his brother Jamie in honour of their recognition in the New Year’s Honours list.
Speaking to STV News earlier in the month, the Council Leader said: “I am aware that there is a desire in some parts of the Dunblane community to have a statue or tribute to celebrate the Murray brothers’ achievements in the town, and will add this to the agenda at the next civic committee in a few weeks’ time so that initial discussions can take place.”
Despite initial plans for a bronze statue, Councillor Robbins admits that the nature of the towns ‘tribute’ is still uncertain.
He added, “Our discussion covered a range of topics. Some of our Dunblane residents favour a statue, others are open to a wider interpretation of a ‘tribute’.
“Location is also an issue, so the Bailies and I are happy to facilitate a community led initiative and to that end will be in touch with representative groups in Dunblane.”
Among his achievements, the Dunblane-born tennis champion ended 2016 as world number one, with a successful run of 24 matches and five straight titles; including picking up a gold medal during the Rio Olympics last year.
Brother Jamie is also not short of accolades, ending 2016 as world number one in men’s doubles after a year that saw him win both the US and Australian Opens alongside partner Bruno Soares.
Raleigh Gowrie, Sports Performance Manager at the University of Stirling spoke of Murray’s achievements and the impact his accolades has had towards the sport.
Gowrie said, “Andy Murray has a long history and affinity with the University – first as a young player and, later, as an honorary graduate. The success and recognition he receives in the local community and around the world is richly deserved.
“Stirling continues to be a hub for tennis in Scotland at a time when the sport is growing. More than 250 people of all ages and abilities come to the University each week to take part in our community tennis programme, eight student tennis teams compete regularly in national student and amateur competitions, and our International Sport Scholarship Programme nurtures a group of talented elite players to achieve their sporting goals at an international level.”
The double Wimbledon champion was previously honored with a terracotta warrior statue in Shanghai after he won the 2010 Rolex Masters.
By Michelle Henderson
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