Police are working with partner agencies to ensure football fans enjoy the eagerly awaitedfestive clash between Inverness Caley Thistle and Aberdeen on Sunday.
The rivals will meet at the Tulloch stadium in Inverness for a 3pm kick off.
The match is expected to be busier than usual as supporters relax during the Christmas period and police will carry out checks on buses travelling to the fixture to ensure no alcohol is being consumed.
British transport police will also be enforcing an alcohol ban on selected services between Aberdeen and Inverness.
Anyone caught drinking on coaches or on trains with a ban in place will be dealt with appropriately.
Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland, who is the police lead for the match, said: “Any event over the festive period has the potential to be busier than usual and we will be working with fans and the clubs to ensure the match is enjoyable for all supporters and to minimise the impact to the rest of the community in Inverness.
“We will be working closely with British transport police at Inverness railway station to ensure fans – and other train users – have a safe journey to Inverness and beyond.”
Kenny Cameron, chairman of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club, said: “We are looking forward to our fixture with Aberdeen on Sunday. Could we ask that all fans travelling to the match give themselves plenty time to make the journey and gain entry to the ground in anticipation of a large turnout.”
A spokesman for Aberdeen Football Club said: “We always take a large support to the Highland capital, particularly during the holiday season, and I’m sure our fans are looking forward to what should be a great game with both teams going well in the league.”
Police advise motorists not travelling to the game to avoid the area around the football stadium between 2pm and 3pm as lengthy delays are expected.
Those travelling to the game should set off early to allow extra time for any delays and be mindful that pedestrians will be crossing roads on their way to the match.
The roads are expected to be busy again after the match from 4.45pm onwards.
