Andy Murray wedding: Dunblane gears up for big day

The display in the Sue Ryder charity shop window. Pic: HEMEDIA

The town is gearing up for quite a party around the nuptials on Saturday when local hero Andy Murray weds Kim Sears.

The pair are set to tie the knot at a private ceremony in Dunblane Cathedral with the wedding reception held at Murray’s own hotel, Cromlix House.

With the bunting brought out, the whole town is preparing to celebrate.

Andy Murray and Kim Sears will wed on Saturday. Pic: Getty

Local charity shop Sue Ryder has gone above and beyond, adorning their front window with bride and groom mannequins - complete with Andy and Kim cut outs - dressed in a kilt and wedding dress.

Heather Haire-Foster, area support manager for the charity said: “It was one of our volunteers. They’ve hung gold hearts from the ceiling and a gold tennis racquet with ‘game set and match’ written on it.”

The charity shop certainly has been busy, even going as far as creating a wedding cake for the pair, made out of cardboard boxes and material.

Local butcher Graham Fleming of David Bennett and Sons meanwhile has created a brand new menu in honour of the big event.

“We always do something for Andy. We did something similar for Wimbledon,” he says

And this time round is no different. With such delights as ‘Love heart Burgers’ in the shape of a heart, to ‘Andy’s Big Day Bangers’, sausages flavoured with honey and mustard as well as “Kim’s Big Day Sausages” which are infused with strawberry and chilli.

“The customers come in and it’s a chance to get involved in the atmosphere. It was mayhem when he came back from Wimbledon. There was a wonderful atmosphere. We’re expecting similar.”

And it’s not only locals who are excited. As Murray mania sweeps the town, a number of tennis fans are expected to descend upon the town with measures already being put in place to control crowds such as barriers and a possible police presence.

Sue Ryder charity shop window. Pic: HEMEDIA

Visitors have been eager to get in on the action with many booking into venues throughout the town to watch the ceremony unfold.

Jo Riddle, owner of The Riverside Pub, has had a special beer brought in to help mark the occasion in style. The ‘TogetherNess’ beer produced by Loch Ness Breweries has been given pride of place in the establishment and even has its own special pump adorned with a bride and groom and of course, a tennis racquet.

She says: “It was heaving after the Olympics. Lots of people have been wanting bookings. It’s been brilliant”

So everything seems to be in order as Dunblane adds the final touches to what is promising to be another landmark day for both Andy and Kim.

Dunblane Cathedral where the ceremony will take place. Pic; Lisa Ferguson

Tourism bosses are also hoping for a boost on the back of the occasion.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said: “Put simply, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world in which to get married. From the splendour and magnificence of our castles and historic homes, to the wild romantic nature of our lochs, mountains, islands and coastlines, there is a uniqueness and magic to having your big day on Scottish soil.

“The impact the wedding industry has on tourism itself is significant, but more than that, it gives us an opportunity to showcase Scotland to guests who may never have made the trip before and turn their time here into a holiday.

“We wish Andy and Kim all the very best for their special day in Dunblane, set in the breathtaking scenery of Stirlingshire and we are confident the happy couple and their guests will have a truly fabulous time while in Scotland.”