The Lawn Tennis Association and sportscotland have announced a multi-million pound funding deal that will see the number of covered courts in Scotland doubled over the next decade.
The LTA announced on Tuesday that a £15 million joint-funding agreement has been struck with the Scottish sports agency and in partnership with Tennis Scotland, starting from next year.
It is hoped that the number of covered tennis courts across the country will rise from 112 to 225 over the next five to ten years in a bid to increase participation in the sport and capitalise on the enthusiasm generated by the success of world number one Andy Murray.
Read more: Tennis in Scotland set for 'historic' funding boost
LTA Chief Executive Michael Downey said: “2016 has been an historic year for British Tennis with success across the board, reaching the Davis Cup semifinals as reigning champions, Jo Konta finishing in the world’s Top 10, Kyle Edmund breaking the Top 40 and Heather Watson winning mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
"Gordon Reid had a phenomenal year winning two Grand Slam titles, Paralympic Gold and becoming world No. 1. But the highest levels of success belong to the remarkable Murray brothers.
"Jamie became the first British man to rank at No.1 on the ATP computer and the first in more than 100 years to win two major titles in the same year. Andy retained his Olympic Gold medal, won his second Wimbledon singles title and finished the year in style winning the ATP World Tour Finals, and ending the year ranked No.1 in the world.
“Therefore the time is right to seize the moment and capitalise on the Andy and Jamie Murray effect. We must create a lasting legacy with a purpose built plan for Scotland.
Read more: Tennis in Scotland set for 'historic' funding boost
"Importantly this unprecedented investment will make tennis more accessible in the years to come, bringing certainty of play to a climate that sees on average 200 days rain a year and in a country that is under-resourced versus the rest of Britain and other European nations when it comes to the number of covered tennis courts per capita.”
Mel Young, Chairman of sportscotland, added:“This is terrific news which represents a great opportunity to further develop tennis in Scotland, and we are delighted to be working with the LTA to deliver this £15 million investment in facilities.
"The £7.5 million sportscotland contribution from our National Lottery investment stream and the LTA’s £7.5 million will have a transformational impact on Scottish tennis.
“It is tremendous that in Gordon, Andy, and Jamie we have three Scottish world number ones, and it is the ideal moment to capitalise on the sport’s popularity by helping to achieve further growth in this country.
"The strategic partnership between sportscotland, the LTA, and Tennis Scotland, coupled with this significant investment in indoor courts, will deliver substantial benefits for tennis in Scotland. It is our belief that, collectively, this announcement and partnership will provide more and better opportunities for people to play and progress, in terms of improving facilities as well as increasing the accessibility and reach of tennis across our society. ”
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