Inverness shoppers will benefit from a free Park & Ride service this festive season, thanks to a joint initiative from The Highland Council, Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and the Inverness Common Go
Running from 29 November to 28 December, the new weekend Park & Ride service will make it easier for shoppers to access the city centre. Visitors can leave their cars at Sarens PSG Stadium on the edge of town, and catch a free shuttle bus to Farrarline Park Bus Station, just off Academy Street. Buses will operate every 10 minutes from 9am to 6.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The service is free to use, but voluntary donations are encouraged in support of two local charities: Highland Hospice and MFR Cash for Kids.
The shuttle services will be operated by D&E Coaches with funding from the Transport Scotland Behaviour Change Fund, which aims to encourage increased bus use and reduce reliance on private cars. This initiative will also help to ease congestion in the city during peak times in the run-up to Christmas.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC is pulling out all the stops to help ensure the Park n Ride is a smooth experience. Come along for festive flavours offered by the Caley Jags Kitchen and other street kitchen traders. The ICTFC Club Shop will also be open 10am–4pm on Saturday, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts and club merchandise. The north stand concourse will be available throughout the weekend, offering shelter and toilet facilities for passengers waiting for the bus.
To support the Park & Ride initiative, ICTFC is also carrying out significant upgrades to the Stadium car park, including improved lighting and new parking bays.
Andrew Benjamin, ICTFC Commercial Director, said: “Inverness Caledonian Thistle is more than just a football club, and we’re proud to play our part in supporting the local community and two fantastic charities. The Sarens PSG Stadium is perfectly placed for people to park up, grab some great street food from Highland traders and head into town to support local businesses.
“We’re also gearing up for our match against Hamilton Academical on 13 December, so it’s a great chance for fans to make a day of it - finish their Christmas shopping, hop back on the free bus, and enjoy our matchday hospitality, which includes a two-course meal and a complimentary drink for £70 per person.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone over the festive season and giving something back to the community that continues to support us.”
Councillor Ian Brown, Inverness City Leader, said: “Inverness is magical at Christmas, and it’s even better when you can leave the car behind and enjoy a relaxing day out. We’re pleased to work with the Common Good Fund and Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC to provide clean, convenient and free transport into the city centre. This Park & Ride service not only reduces congestion and emissions, helping protect our environment, but also supports local retailers and the two charities benefiting from this year’s scheme.”