Nationalists trumpet ‘Scottish legend’ Murray’s US Open win
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."
