Ross-shire reaps 'feelgood factor' – and a hefty economic boost - from Staggies' return to top flight
THE feelgood factor generated by Ross County's return to the top flight of Scottish football will also generate a £1.5 million bonanza that will keep cash tills ringing and generate fresh business opportunities.
A leading Highland economist reckons the return to the Scottish Premiership is worth that much to the economy as the Dingwall-based club stands on the edge a return to the top.
Respected consultant Tony Mackay said: "The Staggies will obviously benefit from increased TV revenues, sponsorship and gate receipts. There will be big increases in attendances when teams such as Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen play in Dingwall.
"The local economy will benefit from more visiting supporters spending in local shops and pubs and some staying overnight."
He described Inverness Caledonian Thistle's relegation to the Championship as "a financial disaster" with the club losing £800,000 last year. He said: "The club has only survived financially with loans and donations from rich shareholders but that may not continue for much longer."
David Richardson, Highlands and Islands development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The contribution football makes to economies goes way beyond the price of tickets for fans also buy food and drink, pay for travel to and from games, and some even buy gifts for loved ones to make up for repeated absences! Not only that, but discerning visiting fans might well like what they see and return north on holiday. And whichever way you look at it, success on the football pitch increases pride in a community, and a proud community is more likely to be a successful community."
He added: "It’s great news for the town and one can only hope that the Highlands will be further boosted by Inverness Caley Thistle’s (ICT) promotion if it performs in the play-offs. Two Highland Premiership teams is even better than one!”
County club chairman Roy MacGregor said it would be "a huge boost" and also voiced hope ICT would also return to the top flight. He said he was delighted to see a management team featuring former Ross County stars enjoy success. "we're doing it the Ross County way and more than that, it's putting the Highlands back on the map."
George Murray, who is leading Dingwall's Business Improvement District (BID) drive, said: "It brings a real feelgood factor for the whole county. It’s difficult to determine or put the real economic benefit to the county into numbers but it must be well into seven figures over a season. There is a real buzz about the town.
All the bars, restaurants, takeaways, taxis and some of the shops are busy with both home and away fans. This has a knock-on effect for the whole area as this is money coming into the town. I see it as an opportunity. As one local business owner said to me the other day, let's make sure these away fans have such a good time here they will want to come back with their families and stay a while to explore the area."
He said: "The whole situation helps the county ooze with more confidence, we have a great town, in a lovely area and Ross County are helping through their national media coverage to tell the rest of the country we are here and we are ready to welcome you to our town."
He added: "Let's hope Inverness Caley Thistle do well too. When there are two teams from the Highlands in the top tier, the area comes alive on match days."
The club secured its return to the Scottish Premiership with a convincing 4-0 victory over Queen of the South at the Global Energy Stadium on Friday night and were presented with the Championship trophy in front of more than 4800 fans in Dingwall.
There will be a family fun day at the stadium on Saturday afternoon followed by an open-top bus parade through the streets of Dingwall, starting from the stadium at 4pm.
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