Nationalists trumpet 'Scottish legend' Murray's US Open win

By

Andy Murray's US Open victory has prompted another bout of political oneupmanship from leaders north of the border.

The Scotsman's achievement, which came after a five-set match lasting nearly five years in New York, follows his Olympic gold medal for Team GB earlier in the summer.

Whereas Scottish nationalists held back from trumpeting their agenda in the context of Olympic fever, those in government in Edinburgh appeared keener to flag up Murray's Dunblane roots when it comes to his US Open win.

Scottish National party leader and first minister Alex Salmond declared: "Now Olympic and US Open champion, Andy truly is a Scottish sporting legend and I'm certain that more grand slam titles will follow."

Politicians on both sides of the Scottish independence debate realise how significant Scottish sporting figures will be as the nation considers whether to end its 300-year union with the rest of the UK.

Murray became the first Brit to win a tennis grand slam since Fred Perry in 1936, 76 years ago.

Angus Robertson, the SNP's leader in Westminster, pointed out that his achievement as a Scotsman was even more impressive.

"Andy Murray is the first adult Scot to win a singles major title since Harold Sergerson Mahony in Wimbledon in 1896," he tweeted. "Congrats."

David Cameron tweeted: "Delighted Andy Murray is continuing a golden summer of sport by winning the US Open. A truly great victory."

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

Britain's great energy debate

How the power gets to Britain's homes in the next century remains a matter of deep controversy

As the next general election begins to loom over the horizon, the debate over Britain's future energy policy mix is starting to hot up - and nothing seems guaranteed.

The Heathrow third runway debate

Heathrow's third runway is just one of many options

There won't be a final decision on Britain's long-term aviation strategy until after the 2015 general election - but an aggressive national debate is already underway.

Opinion Former Events

MRSA Action UK Annual Memorial Event

Families will pay tribute and remember those lost to MRSA and healthcare associated infections at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13th June 2013

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition & Conference 2013

Following the great success of the BSIA's Information Destruction Conference and Exhibition in May 2012, we are pleased to annouce that the event is returning again in June 2013. This one-day conference and exhibition is aimed at key decision makers in organisations that carry out the secure destruction of confidential material.