Giant TV screen proves a real smash as Murray-mania grows

WITH hopes he can go all the way to the finals at Wimbledon, tennis fans in the Capital are enjoying some Murray-mania.

Now the nation's favourite sportsman has claimed a place in the semi-finals for the first time, bars and pubs across the Capital are expecting a bumper crowd to watch his efforts tomorrow.

For those worried about not getting a good view on TV, the match will be shown on the giant screen in Festival Square, off Lothian Road, which has already proved popular with fans.

The 25 square metre television, erected earlier this year in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, will be blasting out all the action as Murray faces Andy Roddick.

As the excitement builds, several of the Capital's businesses will be serving Wimbledon-inspired drinks and food in his honour.

Pub Bond No. 9, on Commercial Street, has whipped up a special cocktail in celebration of Murray, who honed his skills at Craiglockhart Tennis and Sports Centre. The £5.95 drink, aptly called the Perfect Serve, contains Hendrick's Gin, basil, syrup, Wimbledon-sponsor Lanson NV Champagne and the key ingredient, strawberries.

Manager Chris Flint said: "We wanted to create something to show our support for Andy. The name seemed appropriate after his strong service game."

Cafe Eteaket, on Frederick Street, is offering strawberries and cream, tea or ice tea, plus a piece of flapjack for £3.

Fans created quite a racket yesterday evening when Murray, from Dunblane, beat former World No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets in the quarter finals.

Like his older brother Jamie, Murray has always been an avid Hibs fan thanks to their grandfather Roy Erskine, who played for the Easter Road club in the 1950s.

Edinburgh organisation Tennis Scotland will be among those rallying behind him at the city's Centre Court bar on Sunday if he gets to the final.

Club member David MacDermid said: "We don't want to tempt fate but should Andy get to the final we'll be encouraging everybody to hold a street party on Sunday. We need to celebrate this achievement."

A council spokesman said Festival Square's giant screen had proved to be very popular this week, especially during the lunch hour and evenings, and it was expected to attract even bigger crowds as the Wimbledon tournament continues.

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture leader, said: "I'm sure everyone in Edinburgh is rooting for Andy Murray to go all the way at Wimbledon."

For those hoping to watch Murray's next match and perhaps Sunday's final on the big screen, the weather prospects are not great. The Met Office predicts heavy showers on both days, with top temperatures around 19C.