Council leaders offer best wishes to ICT ahead of Sunday’s final

8,000 fans from the Highlands will be heading south for the big game.  This includes supporters travelling on 30 buses and two chartered trains.

The Supporters Trust report a 200% increase in the number of young people travelling with them, with 60% of people signed up to travel with them in family parties.

Council Leader Drew Hendry said: “Inverness Caledonian Thistle have done Inverness and the Highlands proud in reaching their first national cup final.  They have put the club on the footballing map and generated terrific interest among our young people in the game.  The benefits can be seen throughout the city.  We wish them every success in the final.”

Council Convener Jimmy Gray said: “The semi-final performance in beating Hearts on penalties after extra time was as heroic as it was memorable. If we show the same Braveheart spirit in the final we will surely lift the cup and create history for the club. I am delighted the team are going to be roared on by such a big following and that so many young people are going to be able to enjoy the spectacle of a major football cup final.”

Inverness Provost Alex Graham said: “It would be a very fitting way for the club to mark 20 years in the top flight by winning its first major cup.  The club have done the city and the Highlands proud in fighting their way to the final and no matter the outcome the Council will wish to mark their achievement in a meaningful way.”

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