U.S. Open champion Andy Murray is "prepared to help fund a tennis academy on an earmarked site in Edinburgh, Scotland" according to the HERALD SCOTLAND. The 25-year-old and his mother were involved in talks with First Minister Alex Salmond "after the player’s emotional homecoming to Dunblane on Sunday, and the academy was the major subject on the agenda." Salmond said, “We had a positive discussion about their idea for a tennis academy, which is certainly in line with the Scottish government’s ambition to improve young Scots’ participation in sport. We’ll be exploring this with the Murrays and their team over the next two months, and we hope to make an announcement in this regard in the near future.” No further details except "the preferred location for the academy is on the site of the former Dunfermline College of Education in Cramond." Homes have been built on this plot, but 15 acres were reserved for sporting purposes as a condition of sale to the developers. Plans have now been drawn up for eight outside courts, eight inside courts, a cafe and a gym. It is hoped the facilities will help boost the “outreach programmes,” namely allowing children from deprived areas a chance to play the game. Money is available for the project with the Lawn Tennis Association and private investors strongly supportive of the plans. Murray has "pledged financial support as well as the considerable cachet of his name" (HERALD SCOTLAND, 9/18).
