Judy Murray has urged Sportscotland to speed up a decision on a funding application that could create four indoor tennis courts in Moray and deliver facilities to inspire Scotland’s next Andy Murray.
In 2016, Tennis Scotland announced a £15million funding package from Sportscotland and the LTA to construct more than 100 indoor courts and capitalise on the stellar careers of Andy and his brother, Jamie, both of whom have won Grand Slam titles.
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However, to date, no new courts have been delivered and, following Andy Murray’s recent retirement announcement, his mother has implored the government agency to reinforce the former world No 1’s legacy in the north of Scotland.
The £670,000 application will help deliver world-class indoor facilities for tennis in Moray alongside the new Moray Sports Centre, which is currently under construction.
Mrs Murray, OBE, said: “Moray and the north of Scotland have been crying out for indoor tennis courts for a long time now and this project is a fabulous opportunity to create year-round play and a winter base for local players and clubs.
“The profile and interest in tennis in Scotland has sky-rocketed over the past 12 years, but it’s very tough to take advantage of that if you don’t have public indoor facilities and a strong and vibrant workforce. The two go hand in hand.”
On the site adjacent to the proposed indoor courts, construction is currently in progress on the £8.4m Moray Sports Centre which will will open later this year.
Sandy Adam, convener of Moray Sports Foundation, said: “Moray lacks sports facilities and it is the only community in Scotland not to have access to a dedicated sports hall. This is not acceptable for an area that is home to nearly 100,000 people. We need to end inequality in sports’ provisions in Moray.
“The indoor tennis complex we have proposed at Moray Sports Centre has a professional team in place and the tools to deliver a world class facility.
“Scotland has produced many world class sportspeople in the past. They, in turn, have inspired the next generation. In tennis, the Murray brothers have reached the highest level possible and these indoor courts need to be part of their legacy.”
Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, who visited the Moray Sports Centre this week, said: “The plans are incredibly ambitious and I’ve written to Sportscotland outlining my support for the project and for their funding application for indoor tennis courts, something sorely needed in Moray.”
