Scottish independence: Salmond welcomes Murray's last minute declaration of support
British number one tennis player's public declaration of support for the independence campaign welcomed by First Minister
As voting got underway in Scotland, Alex Salmond received an early boost when Andy Murray delivered a surprise endorsement of independence.
The First Minister responded: “I hear Andy Murray has hit another winner today, which is great news, and I think the message for Scotland is, let’s do it now… It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I think you can see it already from the number of people voting.”
The Wimbledon champion, who lives in England and does not have a vote, tweeted his support for a Yes vote early today for 2.7m followers.
He told them: “Huge day for Scotland today! No campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. Excited to see the outcome. Lets do this!”
His backing came as a surprise because he previously condemned Mr Salmond for unfurling the Saltire after his Wimbledon victory last year. His name was also invoked this week by David Cameron on a list of Great Scots when the Prime Minister delivered a last-minute plea for a No vote.
Earlier this year Murray refused to be drawn over his attitude towards independence. He said: “I will take a position. My thoughts on it aren’t that relevant, because I can’t vote myself.
“I don’t know a whole lot about politics, and I have made that mistake in the past and it’s caused me a headache for seven or eight years of my life and a lot of abuse.