After last minute heartache in the World Cup football qualifiers, and a terrible refereeing decision denied Scotland's rugby side in a rousing World Cup performance against Australia, it was up to the Murray brothers to lift a nation in 2015. We were always in safe hands, writes Calum Corral.

Dunblane's finest put on a dazzling display in Ghent during Team GB's astonishing Davis Cup victory, as Andy and Jamie gave their all in an engrossing weekend of action.

I have been a keen follower of the Davis Cup team for years, and watched Andy Murray beat Marian Clicic of Croatia at Court No.1 at Wimbledon in 2007. Little was I to know that I was watching two future US Open champions in action.

In the doubles that weekend, Jamie Murray partnered the outgoing Tim Henman, who retired from the sport after that game, having been a stalwart in the Davis Cup team for years.

However, it gives some perspective to learn that even when Team GB had the benefit of both Henman and Rusedski, they never got beyond the opening round of the World Group stage.

And this year, we went all the way, with quarters and semis, against the USA and Australia respectively, hosted at the Hydro in Glasgow, before facing up to the brilliant Belgians, who were surprise troops, after beating Argentina in the semi-finals.

Argentina, who have produced many fine players over the years including another US Open champ in Juan Martin Del Potro, and David Nalbandian, have never actually won the Davis Cup, despite Diego Maradona supporting them wherever they go!

In recent years, British ties have been played at Braehead Arena, and I had the privilege of attending Andy and Jamie's debut Davis Cup doubles match against Luxembourg.

Watching both players warm up to the comforting tones of Runrig's 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond' was surreal and magical stuff, and captain Leon Smith has been a guiding light in moving Team GB from the lower realms of the competition to the World Group Stage.

Dan Evans, and James Ward, have played such crucial roles in helping Team GB get important victories over the years too - it has been a solid team effort right down from its foundations, with Leon Smith even praising the tennis stringers. Very classy.

And speaking of classy... when Andy Murray dropped on to the ground in Ghent on hitting one of the most beautiful lobs I have ever seen on match point to oust David Goffin, Andy showed brilliant restraint as he urged his celebrating Davis Cup team-mates to the side.

He rushed up to his Belgian opponents, and hugged their captain, Johan Van Herck. Johan happens to be a cousin of Rik Van Herck, a former Largs Tennis Champ, and Rik was at Ghent on Sunday to cheer on his countrymen.

Andy showed a marvellous example, and what a strong role model he is, going over to commiserate with the Belgians, who provided a very strong test.

Personally, I thought Andy's mental resolve throughout was stunning, and he never flinched, as each point seemed to get bigger and bigger, and used his wealth of experience to help his brother Jamie in the doubles too. It was inspirational stuff, and I hope that it will encourage others, of all ages, to give tennis a shot.

When I was growing up, I remember playing tennis at the courts at West Kilbride, trying to emulate John McEnroe after his latest Wimbledon victory over the never-say-die Jimmy Connors - it was the sort of rivalry which made for unbeatable viewing, and it was that kind of tennis which encouraged me to pick up a racquet. I have loved the sport ever since.

I am glad to see that the disused West Kilbride tennis courts are getting a major facelift, and will be returning to action in the new year for the first time in many years.

West Kilbride Community Sports Club have signed a contract with Doe Sport (North) Ltd, for the construction of three floodlit artificial grass tennis courts at Kirktonhall Glen. Construction work started on 23rd November with a completion anticipated by February 2016.

Largs Tennis Club have recently set up a new Facebook page, and for the first time, they have extended their season, playing over the winter months at Inverclyde Sports Centre.

Sadly over the years, we have lost many tennis facilities in North Ayrshire, but now there appears to be a resurgence, in no small thanks to Andy Murray success at Wimbledon and the US Open, and Team GB's climb up the world rankings. Now that's what I call 'Ace'!