Andy Murray to marry Kim Sears at Dunblane Cathedral

Andy Murray poses for pictures with Kim Sears, his mother Judy and father Will . Picture: Getty

The two-time Grand Slam winner, 27, and Ms Sears were expected to tie the knot in the chapel at Cromlix House, in nearby Kinbuck, on 11 April.

Dunblane residents and businesses urged the former Wimbledon champion to have the service at the 12th-century cathedral so that they could toast his big day.

The 300-seat cathedral is bigger than Cromlix chapel, which only seats 28, but it will allow fans from around the world to get a glimpse of the happy couple.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of the town, while businesses are hoping for a windfall weekend.

Murray’s uncle, Niall Erskine, said: “I’m sure it will be a popular decision as he’s had so much support from the people of Dunblane in the past.

“Andy is looking forward to bringing all his family and friends to Dunblane.

“I’m sure lots of people will come down to see the cars as they go past, and it will be a very popular day.”

The cathedral’s minister, the Reverend Colin Renwick, said: “I can’t confirm anything as we have a strict rule that we cannot discuss anyone’s wedding.

“Wherever the wedding will be, there is excitement because there is a great deal of affection for Andy in Dunblane and a great deal of pride in him. I think people are genuinely very pleased for him.”

The couple got engaged in November after dating for nine years. The notice announcing the date for the wedding was published last week in the list of intended marriages in the window of the Burgh Chambers.

It was also announced that Murray would have three best men, his brother Jamie, fellow tennis player Ross Hutchins and former training partner Carlos Mier. Ms Sears is expected to have four bridesmaids.

Hutchins is a former roommate and was supported by Murray during a battle with cancer, and Mier was his best friend while he was training in Spain.

Murray said: “Imagine you had to pick one of your four best friends which you’ve had since you were at school. It’s very difficult to chose one.”

The couple could marry at any venue within council boundaries but they were expected to wed in the privacy of the 15-bedroom Cromlix House.

The tennis ace bought the Victorian former country house hotel in 2013 for £1.8 million after Jamie Murray wed Alejandra Gutierrez in 2010.

Murray’s grandparents Roy and Shirley Erskine celebrated their silver and golden wedding anniversaries at Cromlix.

Ms Sears recently spent time making preparations at Cromlix, which will host family and friends before and after the wedding service.

Murray’s school friend Stewart McClymont, 28, said the event would be huge.

He said: “It’s great – there will be loads of people out in the streets. It will be like a Scottish version of the royal wedding.

“I’m sure Andy’s delighted that the people who want to share in his day will all be there to celebrate. Andy’s a great ambassador and everybody is fully behind him in his sporting and private life.”

Dunblane businesses were delighted with the news, with staff at Bennett’s Butcher, known for its Murray tributes, predicting a bumper weekend.