He’s got a gold postbox, but could Andy Murray one day see a huge statue of himself towering over his home town of Dunblane?
Now the 37-year-old has hung up his racket following the 2024 Paris Olympics, discussions have turned to how best to honour the three-time grand slam winner and create a lasting legacy in Scotland.
So far the biggest, and most controversial, idea has been the proposed Murray legacy tennis centre on greenbelt land at Park of Keir.
Murray himself has said he hopes the development, which is being championed by his mum Judy, becomes a reality.
However, not everyone agrees and many residents have put forward their own ideas as to how to recognise the two-time Olympic gold medalist in his home town.
We asked locals how they thought Dunblane should honour Andy.
‘An inspiration’
Sandy Fleming, chair of Dunblane Development Trust, confirmed the organisation was looking at options for commemorating both Andy’s and brother Jamie’s achievements.
Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache told The Courier that Andy’s success and “remarkable” career was an “inspiration” to the Dunblane community.
“It’s good to see a conversation opening up about his legacy,” he said.
“A fitting tribute would be a network of new and refurbished tennis courts in communities across Scotland, with quality coaching for budding tennis stars from all walks of life.”
Other locals backed financial investment in young tennis players from the town, such as a scholarship programme in schools or clubs.
Local resident James Byrne suggested turning the current tennis centre building into a “really modern, fit for purpose, home of tennis”, while Sarah Cullen thought the Cromlix hotel would be the perfect location for a tennis ball for local talent.
Andrew Henderson, a Dunblane resident, has two sons who are keen tennis players.
He believes Scotland needs a facility that can rival what England has and “elevate” tennis development for locals.
“A lasting legacy for the Murrays has got to be a top-class tennis facility which benefits from great transport links,” he told The Courier.
Calls for an Andy Murray statue
Robin Kleinman, Conservative councillor for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, believes residents want a statue in the town’s centre.
Michael Callaghan, who is originally from Dunblane, said Andy Murray “deserves” a statue and local resident Helen Hutchison thought one of both the Murray brothers would be fitting.
Location ideas varied from near Andy’s golden post box to Dunblane Tennis Club – which some thought should be renamed to pay tribute to the champion.
Christina Hay and Alan Dowie thought two large tennis rackets could commemorate Andy Murray’s achievement, similar to the golf clubs near Gleneagles.
Other suggestions included the Keir Roundabout and B8033 roundabout near Queen Victoria School.
“I think having Centre Court renamed as Sir Andy Murray Arena will mean a lot more to him than anything,” added Alan.
A design similar to that of the Kelpies – the monumental steel horse-heads near Falkirk, designed by Andy Scott – was favoured by many locals. Stuart Mclean thought a similar sized statue of Andy serving would highlight his success.
Janice Ross Grant also backed the idea, saying: “Get the chap who made the Kelpies to make a sculpture representing Andy Murray and the other Dunblane champions could be incorporated in some way.”
‘Dunblane, where we grow champions’
Other ideas to commemorate the champion’s career ranged from signage to artwork.
Galen Milne and Stephen Beattie suggested a mural at the railway bridge or on the road towards Doune.
Rodger Lyall liked the idea of something musical, such as a pipe march or strathspey in his honour
Others voiced support for a sign at the entrance to Dunblane, paying tribute to the home of Andy and Jamie Murray.
“They brought fame to Dunblane shortly after a time when it was known for the school tragedy only, so a sign would cement the town being known for positive reasons instead,” said John Paterson, who also suggested a street name honouring the Scot.
Local woman Tricia McHugh Service thought the sign should read: “Welcome to Dunblane, where we grow champions”.
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Andy Murray hopes to see Dunblane ‘legacy’ sports centre get approval
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