Annette Fox is relishing top new tennis role

Annette, who won Tennis Scotland Coach of the Year last year, has replaced Stuart Brown in the role, after he moved to the sport's governing body at the end of last year.

The three-year appointment, a partnership between Tennis Scotland, East Lothian Council and enjoyleisure, will look to build on a thriving local tennis scene, which saw 15 new courts built last year, representing an investment of over £550,000.

Annette, head coach at Gullane Tennis Club, is relishing the new challenge.

She said: “I’m delighted to be appointed and to work in partnership with Tennis Scotland.

"It is a great step to be able to expand on my experience at Gullane, where I spent the last eight years developing the sport so I can’t wait to get into the wider area.

“The role will be developing all clubs within East Lothian, in participation with the local authority and enjoyleisure, to help more people play tennis more often or even to pick up a racket in the first instance.

“I have learnt a lot from Stuart who held this role before me and he has left a great legacy that makes the transition a lot easier.

"It is going to be a challenge but an exciting challenge!”

Councillor Tim Day, East Lothian Council cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing, added: “In East Lothian we are delighted to be working in partnership with Tennis Scotland again following the success of delivering new tennis facilities but also supporting the growth of participation in the sport.

"The appointment of Annette as TDO will enhance the work previously done in the area and we look forward to seeing the growth of local tennis clubs as well as the development of players.”

Bill Axon, enjoyleisure general manager added: “We are delighted to welcome Annette to the team. This appointment is not just about developing elite or club players.

"We look forward to further advancing the growth of tennis opportunities in East Lothian in tandem with East Lothian Council and Tennis Scotland.”