Zander Murray has revealed his delight at being given the opportunity to lead Edinburgh's Pride parade march on Saturday.
Murray became Scotland's first-ever openly gay footballer when he came out last September. The striker currently plays for Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic in Scottish League Two, making 12 appearances to help them escape relegation.
Since his historic coming out, Murray has become a powerful advocate for LGBT+ rights, frequently speaking out against hate towards the community. He has now been recognised for his work by the organisers behind Edinburgh Pride.
Murray has been given the prestigious honour of being the person to lead the parade through the streets of the Scottish capital. He announced the news in a video posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday.
"How you doing everybody? I've got really exciting news to share. On Saturday, I will be leading Edinburgh's pride march through the streets of Edinburgh, starting at the Scottish Parliament and finishing at the wonderfully constructed festival village," Murray said.
"I cannot wait to mingle with you all and have conversations. But even if you see me obiviously in the march as well, please just come over to have a chat. It means the absolute world to be doing these types of things. It's been a crazy pride month for me as you've probably seen.
"What a way to finish. This means the world to do this. This is the first time I've ever been marching in a pride march. And to be leading it means the absolute world, so thank you to all the organisers for this wonderful opportunity and I hope I do you well."
The event will take place on Saturday, with Murray adding on Twitter: "Beyond delighted to be leading Edinburgh's Pride March. Cannot wait to walk the streets of Edinburgh finally being proud of who I am. Hope to meet as many people as I can! Thank you for this incredible opportunity."
Edinburgh Pride describes itself as being Scotland's longest-running celebration of diversity. Saturday's march starts at 1pm, proceeding down from parliament to Canongate, High Street, George IV Bridge, Bristol Place, Lothian Street, Potterrow, Crichton Street and Charles Street before finishing at The Pride Edinburgh Festival Village in the EUSA Complex.
Back in March, Murray discussed his "whirlwind" time since coming out at the start of the season. And he admitted that he did not realise the scale of the positive impact he would have.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, he said: "Obviously a bit of a whirlwind at the beginning. Personally, it's been nuts, absolutely nuts. I didn't realise that just being visible, being a role model, has really, really helped support people.
"I've had people message me and send me letters and it's just being brave enough to be visible and I did underestimate at the beginning how powerful that can be. The past year has been challenging for the LGBT+ community, we need to keep being reactive as well as proactive.
"We need to keep fighting the fight. I want to empower younger players, I want to help them, I want to help younger players and I want to help the game. I just want to help the game in general. And now being in the limelight, I feel I can defintinley take that torch."
