FAMOUS for its roar, Hampden Park received another sign of its paw-pularity this week when the lions of Blair Drummond Safari Park showed their support for Scotland’s National Stadium.

Two of the country’s most famous and loved attractions joined forces, with Blair Drummond’s lions roaring their approval for the retention of the 52,000-capacity venue as the home of Scottish football.

Also 'feline' the love was mascot Hampden Roary, who made the trip to the Stirlingshire safari to gauge the feelings of the park’s resident roar-experts. To a lion, they were unanimous that Hampden Park should 're-mane' as Scotland’s national stadium in order for fans to continue to experience the world-famous Hampden Roar in the future.

Safari Sam, Blair Drummond lion representative, said: “At Blair Drummond, we’re wild about the Hampden Roar – it’s such an iconic part of the Hampden experience and a sound that really resonates with us. The pride here today has been magnificent, and we’re delighted to have been able to put our stance on the lion to help keep Hampden as Scotland’s national stadium and protect this beautiful sound.”

In January of this year the Scottish FA announced a shortlist of two options – Hampden Park and BT Murrayfield – for its home stadium contract post-2020 with a final decision expected in late August.

Peter Dallas, Hampden Park managing director, said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of a fellow Scottish institution such as Blair Drummond, and brilliant to have their backing as we get closer to decision time on our national stadium status.

“The Hampden Roar is an iconic part of the Hampden football experience and as Scotland’s National Stadium, we hope future generations get to experience and enjoy this beyond 2020.”