AUCHINLECK Talbot's big Scottish Cup tie against Hearts this weekend has excited a local MP and MSP.

Both MP Alan Brown and MSP Jeane Freeman have sent their best wishes to the club ahead of the tie.

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Mr Brown said: “I think it is fantastic that Auchinleck have been drawn to play against a Premiership Club after knocking Ayr United out the Scottish Cup.

“Hopefully there is a decent crowd that gives the club a decent return to reinvest.”

Tommy Sloan’s team previously played against Hearts in 2012 and were unfortunate to lose that tie 1-0. And local MP Brown believes that the Beechwood Park side will be aiming to become the first junior team to ever qualify for the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

He added: “There is clearly unfinished business given the last-minute equaliser that was chopped off during the last visit.

“That adds extra spice to the tie, and I am sure everyone associated with the club will have another fantastic day out, and with a bit of luck, get into the next round.”

Cumnock Chronicle:

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman said: “This is a huge achievement for the team, the coaches, the manager and the community for the team to have got to this stage.

“I watched the last game. It was really exciting, and I have to say – although I was born and raised in Ayr – they outplayed Ayr United.

“My dad played for a junior club here in Ayrshire and it is a big part of Ayrshire life. What Auchinleck Talbot represent – aside from the success of the club so far – is the overwhelming success of Ayrshire in junior football.

“I’m very excited about this game and I’m sure that those young lads will give it everything that they’ve got.

“They have the best wishes of the whole community and me right behind them.”