Fraserburgh FC’s colours will fly above the town centre for the first time this morning as the port prepares for the biggest match in its footballing history.
The raising of the flag ceremony, which will take place in the town’s Saltoun Square, is part of the north-east community’s ongoing preparations for its high profile Scottish Cup tie against Rangers.
Business owners in the town had transformed their shop windows into massive advertisements for the game last week but were left disappointed when overnight snow and frost forced the tie to be postponed.
The club has now joined together with Aberdeenshire Council to give thanks to the businesses that have continued to support the club into Wednesday’s rescheduled fixture.
A spokesman for the Highland League side said: “The council were approached by Fraserburgh FC to take this unusual step, in support of the local shops and businesses who have come out in force to support the club.
“Historic occasions bring communities together and this has proved to be just that.
“The disappointment of the postponement has turned into an extra 10 days of enthusiasm for the cup competition.
“Having the flag flown in the town centre echoes the sentiment of the town in the last few weeks.
“Fraserburgh FC are grateful for their continued support.”
The club has also unveiled a secret weapon in their bid to defeat the visiting Glasgow side.
On their way into the town on Wednesday evening, Graham Murty’s men will face the unique, smiling sight of Gareth “Bale”.
But not the Real Madrid player. Luckily for the Scottish Premiership team, this one is 12ft tall and made of straw.
It has been built on a local farmer’s land, where the Ranger’s team bus will pass as they make their way into the port for the game.
Last night, local councillor Brian Topping, who will help do the honours for the flag raising ceremony, said it was an “amazing” moment in the club’s history.
Mr Topping, who is also the chairman of the team’s supporter’s club, added: “It’ll be good for the club and the town – it’s just great.
“Everyone is engrossed with the game.
“It’ll be a first for the town and it’ll be a fantastic day. The way the whole town has got behind the team for this historic occasion has been really great.
“Fraserburgh gets a lot of attention for ‘bad things’ that happen, but everyone is looking forward to this game. It’s gripped the whole town’s imagination, from people doing up their windows to fans returning to the club.”
The flag raising ceremony will take place at 10am.
