Fans of Clachnacuddin Football Club in Inverness launch an online fundraising appeal so games can be played at its ground again

Clachnacuddin FC fans have launched an appeal after the club was devastated by fire on Christmas Eve.

The blaze started in the laundry room of Inverness Clachnacuddin FC, a founder member club of the Scottish Highland Football League, and caused extensive damage to the changing rooms and boardroom.

Since then the club has been unable to play fixtures at the Grant Street Park ground, which has been its home for more than 100 years, and has had to either cancel games or play at Canal Park in the city.

The Clachnacuddin Supporters’ Trust has launched a Go Fund Me appeal – Help Get Clach Home – which aims to raise £5000 to install temporary changing facilities so matches can be played at home again.

So far they have managed to raise £550 towards their target.

Trust secretary Chris Stewart said one of the trust members had come up with the idea of a fundraising campaign and the response so far had been encouraging.

The trust is also keen to get the temporary facilities in place “sooner rather than later”. Mr Stewart added: “It’s nice to see the community coming together to back us – it’s what we are really about. Being realistic, these things can take a bit of time, but we have still got fixtures to fulfil.

“That is why are trying to push things forward.”

Club chairman Alex Chisholm praised the efforts of the fans to raise the necessary funds to help get their Grant Street ground operational again. He said: “This brings us all together and the support from other clubs has been fantastic.”

It is hoped they will be able to return for the fixture with Nairn County on Saturday, February 15.

n To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/w83vs-help-get-clach-home

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