It was a generous gift to one of the best-known charities in the north.
But more than six months after a grateful Highland Hospice received 570,000 in Inverness Caledonian Thistle shares, they have yet to attract a buyer.
The 19% stake in the club is owned by the Hospice, which received the shares from a mystery family who were keen to help the charity complete a major construction project.
The hospice’s Project Build appeal remains about £700,000 short of its £4.5million target to fund a new inpatient unit and upgrade of its existing facilities in the city.
The unique donation was made in response to a plea for sponsors for the project.
Speaking yesterday, a spokeswoman for Highland Hospice said: “We’re still looking for someone who wishes to support us through the purchase of these shares. However, our priority remains getting good value in return, rather than the speed of the sale.
“While we have many large fundraising events planned between now and the end of October, any support over the next few months would be very gratefully received.
“Throughout this appeal, the generosity of our supporters has been incredible and we are so grateful to each and every person who has contributed to its success.”
The new inpatient unit is on schedule for completion by the end of September.
October will be used for staff training as well as offering tours of the building before patients are admitted from mid-November.
It is understood that the 19% stake in the football club is the second largest individual holding.
In March, the new £7.5million in-patient unit on the banks of the River Ness reached its highest point with a “topping out” ceremony held to celebrate.
The unit is due to open in October 2016 and will include nine single bedrooms and a shared room, as well as increased physiotherapy, occupational therapy and bereavement support facilities.
Work began on the Bishops Road site in September last year after the previous inpatient unit was demolished.
And while the new building is rapidly taking shape, the charity is planning a final push to meet its fundraising target.
