Football fans in a north-east market town are gearing up for the biggest game in their club’s history.
Turriff United will face Scottish Cup holders Hibs in front of a packed crowd at The Haughs today.
And in a first for a Highland League club, the game will be shown live on television.
Police estimate as many as 2,000 fans will descend on Turriff for the cup, with Neil Lennon’s side bringing hundreds of supporters from Edinburgh.
Last night, Turriff United chairman George Manson – who has been involved with the club for 15 years – said the Irn Bru Cup tie was a massive opportunity for the team.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It’ll be a challenge and it’s the biggest game in our history.
“Financially it will give us a good cash injection at the right time. It’s our first time in the competition and the prize money is good so were pleased to be in it and pleased to progress so far.”
Turra triumphed over St Johnstone under-20s in the opening round before beating League Two side Montrose to set up the glamour tie with Hibernian.
Last night locals backed their team, and said they were looking forward to a bustling atmosphere.
Robert Stephen, managing director of Turriff’s famous Celebrations store, said he is thrilled The Haughs side have reached the third round of the cup.
“It’s tremendous for the team and there’s a buzz about the place,” he said. “I think there will be a big crowd on Sunday.
“The licensed establishments will be buzzing. Turriff’s come from a junior team and now we play Hibs live on the BBC. I’ll certainly be down and a lot of the ex-players will be too.”
Mr Stephen said the town is well prepared to handle big crowds with the experience of the annual Turriff Show which draws tens of thousands of visitors to the agricultural event.
Local butcher John Brown said: “It’s great for the town – there’s been a buzz from plenty of customers.
“It’s huge for the club – probably the biggest day in its history.”
In a region dominated by Aberdeen FC – the north-east’s sole Premiership side – there is a hope that the glamour of tomorrow’s tie will win over a new legion of supporters.
Maria Chappell, from Turriff’s Pure Ink tattoo studio, said: “We’re sending our best wishes to our local lads. We’ve never done a Turriff United tattoo – plenty of Aberdeen FC though.
“However that can all change.”
The pubs and hotels of Turriff are expected to enjoy booming business tomorrow when the crowds arrive.
A spokesman for The Kastille bar and lounge said: “We’re looking forward to the match and wishing the boys the best. Hopefully it will be a good day for the town and local businesses.
“We’ll give Hibs a big north-east welcome.”
You can watch the match live on BBC Alba from 3pm today.
