The newly married Mr and Mrs Murray at Dunblane

Scottish tennis ace Andy Murray married his long term girlfriend, Kim Sears, in his home town of Dunblane on Saturday, followed by a lavish reception at Cromlix House, a property which was owned for centuries by the Hays of Cromlix.

Mr Murray and Ms Sears tied the knot at the 13th century Dunblane Cathedral, seat of the historic Diocese of Dunblane, although it has been in the hands of the established Church of Scotland since the Reformation.  The ceremony took place amidst a party atmosphere, where businesses and locals welcomed the thousands of well wishers who flooded into the town for the occasion, and where many residents are personal friends of the Murray family.

The happy couple went on to a reception at nearby Cromlix House, a spectacular country house hotel which Andy Murray bought two years ago and where he has invested heavily to return the house to its former glory.

Cromlix House came to the Hays with the 17th century marriage of the Hay Earl of Kinnoull with Margaret Drummond, heiress of the Viscount of Strathallan.  It was subsequently used by a younger branch of the Kinnoull family.  Their descendants attempted to run the house as a hotel, with indifferent success.  The house became increasingly dilapidated under their stewardship until rescued by Andy Murray in 2013.  The property is managed on Mr Murray's behalf by Inverlochy Castle Management International.