TENNIS legends Andy and Jamie Murray could soon be getting the ultimate recognition – their own road sign.
It is part of a series of proposals including a statue and a tourist trail to celebrate their achievements and attract more visitors to Dunblane.
The main plan is for the brothers names to appear on a new welcome sign at the entrance to their home town.
Paul Nelson, chair of the Dunblane town centre group, was asked recently by their umbrella body the Dunblane Development Trust to look at ways they could commemorate the achievements of the siblings.
Paul says the proposed sign would state: “Welcome to the Catherdral City of Dunblane home of the tennis greats Andy and Jamie Murray.”
The plan has support from both the working group and the development trust. It is hoped the road sign will also get the backing of Dunblane Community Council, who are meeting next week.
He says it could form part of a tourist trail through Dunblane that would also include Sir Andy’s gold post box and a giant mural of him outside Dunblane tennis club which launched his career.
A local museum also has a display of Andy memorabilia which could further feature in the trail.
Paul added: “The sign is one of many suggestions to commemorate the achievements of Andy and Jamie. It is not the only thing we would want to do.”
There is also the possibility of a statue to the two brothers but said that would need considerable fund raising.
Paul said an existing sign at the entrance to Dunblane celebrating local war hero James Palmer Huffman should remain and it was not their intention to replace it. James, who died in 1968, received the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the First World War at the tender age of 21.
Local councillor Alasdair Tollemache who supports the road sign proposal said: “I am very keen to see the Murray’s tremendous sporting achievements recognised.”
One Dunblane local said: “We want people coming into the town to know that this is where the Murray brothers grew up and where they honed their talents.
“It is only right that Andy and Jamie’s names are on the sign that greets both visitors to the town.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson added: “We greatly admire everything Andy and Jamie have done in their sporting careers and also for Dunblane.
“We have not been approached at this stage but will appropriately consider any proposals that may be put to us by the local community.”
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