INVERNESS Caley Jags fans are getting ready to stage an exodus from the Highland capital tomorrow and head to Glasgow for the biggest day in their club’s 20-year history.
Thousands of them will pack trains, buses and cars for the pilgrimage south and their date with destiny at Celtic Park.
They will be heavily outnumbered by their counterparts from Aberdeen – but have vowed to shout themselves hoarse as they cheer on their heroes in their first major cup final.
Supporters want their team to summon up the Braveheart spirit for the league cup final match against the Dons. A fleet of more than 30 buses and two special trains will carry the Inverness Caledonian Thistle army of fans to Glasgow.
Supporters’ associations have organised 13 coaches and more than 20 more have been chartered by groups, pubs and clubs.
Thousands more are expected to paint Inverness red and blue as they pack into bars across the city to watch the match on TV and roar on their team.
David Balfour, chairman of the Caley Jags Together supporters group, said last night: “It’s a really significant day for the football club and the city.
“Hopefully, we get the result and hopefully people will enjoy their day out.
“We’ve got a real mix on our buses – a lot of people are travelling as a family group and school groups.
“It’s drawn a lot of different people together and we really hope they get a taste for it, especially the youngsters.”
Businessman David Sutherland, life president of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, said: “Reaching this final is a magnificent milestone on the club’s journey. It’s amazing to reflect on the past 20 years and how far the club has come.
“On limited resources, Caley Jags have performed admirably, being in the top flight for 10 of the past 11 years. The way they beat Hearts in the semi-final with only nine players underlines the character and commitment at the club.
“I look forward to cheering them on at Celtic Park and being part of a huge exodus from Inverness and all points north to support the team.
“The Caley Jags fans give superb backing and, though outnumbered on the day, I’ve no doubt they’ll make themselves heard.
“Just getting to the Scottish League Cup final is an achievement. But it would be wonderful for the city and the Highlands if skipper Richie Foran was to step up and collect the trophy – it would be guaranteed a terrific welcome back north.”
The big match is expected to prove a big financial boost to Inverness pubs as fans gather to watch the action.
Gellions landlord Ruraidh Munro is travelling to the match in the pub bus.
He said: “There’s been quite a bit of anticipation and I just don’t know how the game will go.
“We’re expecting to be very busy and hopefully we’ll be coming back up the road to a big party on Sunday night.”
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.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our support to the team in this weekend’s final.
“Many of our members at all levels are supporters and it means a lot to see them doing well.
“We wish them all the best of luck.
“It has provided a great platform to the region and hopefully it can lead to further successes.”