This is Our Time for Inverness and the Highlands

The Highland Council's Convener, City Leader, and the Provost of Inverness are encouraging local businesses to get behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle in their bid to win the Scottish Cup for the first time later this month.

They want local businesses to match cash backing from the players and the Inverness Common Good Fund that will allow as many children and families as possible to travel to the big game against Falkirk at Hampden, Glasgow, on Saturday 30 May.

Councillors have approved Common Good Funding for an £8,000 grant to subsidise the cost of travel for children and families and the players have already pledged £2,000 from their semi-final bonus to ensure there is a bumper support for the cup final.

Tickets for children are available for the East Stand (behind the goals) at £5.00.

Council Convener Jimmy Gray said: “The aim is to enable children and families to have the best opportunity of attending the Cup Final and support the Club.  Members and Officers are meeting with the club and the Supporters Trust to identify ways that we can help to stimulate as much interest as possible in the biggest game in the club’s history.

“Reaching the Final puts Inverness and the Highlands firmly on the map for high profile sporting events and will help us promote our beautiful region to the world.

“We agree that local businesses have a huge role to play in this and we hope that they will follow the example of the players and the Common Good Fund and pledge their support.  Should any businesses wish to help, they should contact Iain Auld at the Club.”

City Leader, Councillor Ian Brown added: “Inverness Caledonian Thistle have come of age by reaching the final of the Scottish Cup.  What an achievement!  This highlights just how far the club has come since joining the Scottish League set up in 1994.  We are all very proud of their success and it would be great if local businesses get on board. The club have done tremendously well to qualify for the final and we want the city and the wider Highlands to give the club the support they deserve.”

Kenny Cameron, Executive Chairman expressed his thanks to the Inverness Common Good Fund saying:

“Saturday 30 May will be the biggest day in history so far for Inverness Caledonian Thistle. With our 2,000 Challenge, the Council and the Club are working together to enable 2,000 kids to get to the Cup Final. The funding from the Inverness Common Good Fund together with Players’ semi-final bonus money and donations received from individuals will help more families to attend the final by making the first 2000 children's tickets free. If funding permits we will then look at sponsoring childrens' seats on the supporters' buses with the Trust who are doing an excellent job organising fans' travel.”

He added: “Tickets are already on sale from the Stadium ticket office, online and they will also be available from our City centre shop in the Victorian Market from Thursday this week.”

To find out more about getting your ticket and the best transport arrangements, call in at the shop, stadium, or visit the ICT website.  For travel options click here.