Olympic and US Open tennis champion Andy Murray has thanked supporters for an ”unbelievable” homecoming celebration, saying they “made him very proud to be Scottish”.
The 25-year-old was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Dunblane on Sunday.
Thousands of people waited hours in wet weather, chanting his name while waving Scottish flags and homemade placards.
They were rewarded for their patience, with Murray signing as many autographs as possible as he slowly walked along through the town.
He also took part in a knockabout with youngsters at his old tennis club.
Murray said: ”To have been in my hometown today and to have had that reception is something that will live with me for a very long time. Thank you so much.”
He added: “I had no idea what to expect, so to see so many people show up and show such support and hang around for so long in the rain and cold weather was unbelievable.
”The last week I haven’t been thinking about tennis much. I’ve just been relaxing and I’ll get back on to the court in the next few days. That’s when I’ll see how I’m feeling.
”It’s huge for all his fans to see him back here. He doesn’t get back often because he’s always training and playing tournaments.”
Johnathan Beher (7), also from Dunblane, said: ”Andy’s my hero, I want to be just like him.”
Neil Yarwood (41) travelled from Perth with his wife Rhona and daughters Robyn (7) and Iona (9).
He said: ”We’re here to see Andy and give him the respect he deserves. He’s had a great year and we’re so proud of him.”
The crowd’s excitement peaked as Murray posed next to the High Street postbox painted gold in honour of his Olympic victory. He grinned and held aloft his medals before handing them to waiting schoolchildren who gasped before trying on the silver, won in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson, and gold themselves.
Murray admired the posters they had created to welcome him home before continuing his tour towards the tennis club where his dream began.
Photos by Andrew Milligan/PA Wire