Murray tapped to help boost tennis in Scotland

Endinburgh: Scotland is keen to ride on the success of their famous sporting icon Andy Murray in popularising tennis across the country.

Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison, who also holds the Public Health portfolio, has already had extensive discussions with Murray's mother Judy in an attempt to get assistance in further popularising tennis throughout Scotland.

"It is important for Scotland to have a sporting ambassador like Andy Murray. He is a world-known name now and next time the Wimbledon title will be his. Sporting people like Murray are very important, not just to put Scotland on the world stage, but for young people to be inspired," Robison told Gulf News here.

"We've had discussions with Judy to take steps to develop tennis in Scotland as the government is quite keen to ensure that young people who want to play tennis have the opportunities to do so," she said.

"When you have someone like Andy play tennis, then you have a whole generation wanting to match him, if not be better than him. And we spoke on how best we can capitalise on this movement in tennis in Scotland."

Murray's mother already has a successful tennis academy situated in Bridge of Allan in Stirlingshire, Scotland and the Scottish government is keen to go hand-in-hand with her in their objective of furthering the interest of the sport.

"We are in discussions on how we can work together to realise this dream. Judy is very keen to develop her academy further and give opportunities to other youngsters in other parts of the country," Robison said.

"There are opportunities to develop tennis at some areas and our discussions are on this."