Andy Murray ditches granny's shortbread to become brand ambassador for rival

Daily Record

5 hours ago

The Scots tennis icon has been announced as the first-ever brand ambassador for Walker's Shortbread - despite his gran being famous for her own sweet treats
Sir Andy Murray could be in a spot of bother with his own granny – after he was named as brand ambassador for a shortbread firm, despite her own famous version of the biscuits.
The Dunblane tennis icon has been announced as the first-ever brand ambassador for Walker's Shortbread.
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But the Wimbledon champ's own gran, Shirley Erskine, has often hit the headlines herself with her legendary shortbread.
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Her recipe has even featured in a special's Mother's Day recipe book created in support of Scottish charity Mary's Meals.
The sweet treat was also a big hit with fellow contestants, pro dancers and judges when Shirley's daughter – Andy's mum Judy Murray – took part in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Shirley even took along a tin when invited on to Mrs Brown's Saturday night chat show and made a tin which went all the way to Wimbledon in exchange for a £100 donation to the local Dunblane Centre.
Shirley has even been known to serve up a baking masterclass to local schoolchildren to teach them how to make the traditional Scottish biscuit.
Announcing the new partnership, Walker's Shortbread said the former Olympic champ had penned a multi-year partnership with the Moray-based firm.
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On the deal, Andy said: 'I'm proudly Scottish, and partnering with Walker's, a brand that has been representing Scotland around the world for well over a century, felt like a great fit for me.
'I come from a small tight-knit community and when I look back at where I have come from, I am proud of what I've achieved, which is something I share with Walker's.
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'It's a real honour to be part of this next chapter for such a well-loved Scottish brand.'
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With 46 tour titles under his belt and three Grand Slam victories – the two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner, and self-proclaimed shortbread superfan, added: 'I've been eating shortbread since I was a kid – my gran would make it all the time for us. We even celebrated my Wimbledon win with shortbread.
'Shortbread is one of my simple pleasures. No matter where I am in the world, a piece of Walker's Shortbread always transports me back home.'
The partnership also pays homage to Walker's own history with tennis. Winne Walker, mother of the late Joe, Marjorie and Sir Jim Walker, was a passionate tennis enthusiast who played a pivotal role in the local tennis community.
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Inspired by her love for the sport, which began during her university years, Winnie was instrumental in establishing the first tennis courts at Aberlour Tennis Club.
Nicky Walker, Managing Director, Walker's Shortbread: 'We are incredibly excited to welcome Andy Murray as our very first brand ambassador. We've always admired Andy's achievements, his dedication and his cautious charisma as well as his very obvious close relationship with his own family. These are qualities that resonate deeply with our own values at Walker's Shortbread. We are genuinely honoured that Andy and his team have acknowledged Walker's as a suitable partner, and we are looking forward to this exciting new venture as we continue to promote 'Scotland at its Finest'.'
The deal will see Andy featured in the firm's latest advertising campaign – where his image will appear at train stations across the UK.