Securing Clach’s Future
Talks have been held between The Highland Council and Clachnacuddin FC to ensure the long-term future of the Highland League club. The latest meeting, chaired by Clachnacuddin FC chairman David Dowling, was attended by club and supporters’ trust representatives and a Council delegation, comprising Councillors Donnie Kerr and Jimmy Gray and Inverness City Manager David Haas.
It was confirmed at the meeting that the club has now renounced the lease it held for Grant Street Park. It was also recognised that the Council is committed to working with the club to ensure a robust business plan is developed which would incorporate the commitment made by the Club to repay the outstanding debt to the Inverness Common Good Fund.
Arrangements for the club continuing to play its Highland League matches at Grant Street Park along with a number of possible options based around wider community usage are also to be examined by Council officials.
A further meeting will be held within the next few weeks.
Councillor Donnie Kerr said: “I am pleased that we have made important progress with the club renouncing their lease of the ground. We can now go forward to assist the Club in drafting a business plan which sets out realistic targets for reducing the club’s debt and funding the day to day operations of the club.”
Councillor Jimmy Gray added: “Everyone wants Clach to have a secure future and by working closely together we stand the best chance of having a successful outcome.”
David Dowling said: “Clach are pleased with the discussions and the progress so far. We intend to submit a written proposal to the council for their consideration within the next 14 days. This will incorporate repaying the old debt and meeting the new rent commitment. We are very aware that any solution has to be both manageable and sustainable. We are grateful to our newly formed trust for their help and support and commend the efforts of Charlie and Louise Shield in successfully putting the whole thing together so quickly and already gaining 130 members.”
He said he was pleased that the all weather pitch proposal was being examined by the Council as the club had long believed that this was the best way forward.