Murray supporting Moray indoor courts plan
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A Moray group has attracted the support of a world-class sportsman in its bid to have better tennis facilities included in any new regional sports centre.
Elgin Lawn Tennis Club has secured the backing of Jamie Murray, Britain’s current number one doubles player, in its push to have both indoor and outdoor courts built in the proposed new complex.
According to club president Alan Wilson, Jamie – brother of world number 3 tennis player Andy Murray – said that without having courts available all year round, they may not have had such a strong involvement in the sport.
Mr Wilson explained that contact with Jamie was made through club member Keith Meisner.
"Keith is one of the top players in Scotland, and trained with Jamie and Andy when he was younger," Mr Wilson explained.
"He has kept in touch with the Murray family, and the proposed sports centre was mentioned during a conversation with Jamie this week.
"Jamie then decided off his own bat to tweet Sandy Adam. He stated that he and Andy were extremely keen that there is some sort of legacy left when they both stop playing, and is very passionate that there should be more indoor courts in Scotland."
In another tweet, Jamie, a former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, wrote: "Indoor tennis would look amazing at the facility. Highlands has no indoor courts and huge interest in our sport in Scotland."
Mr Wilson said that the club has already met with Springfield, asking for the possibility of four all-weather courts, and two indoor courts next to the complex, to be explored.
"Obviously this is very early in the process, and there have already been many false starts in developing a resource like this in Elgin," said Mr Wilson.
"There is, however, very little doubt that indoor courts would be a major boost to tennis, not only in Elgin but throughout the Highland area."
For more on this story, and the latest on a new bid to bring a regional sports centre to Moray, see this week's 'Northern Scot' print edition.
