Nairn County delivers commemorative kit to 200 P3 pupils in Nairnshire to mark 50 years since Highland League triumph
Every P3 pupil in Nairnshire has been kitted out in Nairn County colours to mark 50 years since the club’s 1976 Highland League triumph.
Nairn County Football Club recently provided pupils from Auldearn, Ardersier, Cawdor, Croy, Millbank and Rosebank primary schools with new club shirts.
The initiative was made possible thanks to Ivan Ralph, CEO at Ralph Sayer, who grew up in Nairn and has remained passionate about giving back to his hometown and supporting the volunteer-run club.
“If you grew up in Nairn, you’ll know the football club has always been at the heart of the community,” he said.
“I’ve got so many fond memories of matches over the years, and it’s something that’s always stayed with me.
“This is a community-led club, run by passionate and hardworking locals, and being able to give something back has been a long-held ambition of mine. Supporting the people who dedicate their time and energy to keep the club going feels really special.
“Seeing all the pupils, the next generation of fans, wearing the Nairn County colours makes me incredibly proud, because it shows the pride and connection this club continues to bring to the community.”
Among those handing out the strips were first team players Millar Gamble, Ben Barron and Tyler Eadie, joined by manager Wayne Mackintosh.
Each pupil also received a personal letter from the manager, along with a free matchday voucher for their families to attend the upcoming home game against Keith and a £5 food and drink voucher to enjoy at the match.
Included was also a poster of the full squad and a goody bag provided by the club’s main partner, Murray Travel.
Kevin Reid, Nairn County chairman, said: “This season is a truly special one for the club as we celebrate 50 years since winning the Highland League.
“The feedback from pupils, parents and schools has been fantastic, and we’re incredibly proud to have turned an idea we’d been working on for some time into a reality, made possible thanks to the support of Ralph Sayer.
“Nairn County means so much to so many people. We’ve seen attendances grow steadily over the past few seasons, and we hope this initiative is another step towards inspiring the next generation of fans and making them feel part of the club.”
Ralph Sayer is also supporting the club by sponsoring Nairn County’s Man of the Match award as well as the club’s annual golf day and its sporting dinner for the 2025/26 season.
“This is a special year for the club, and to play a part in marking such an important milestone is something I’m truly honoured to do,” Mr Ralph said.
“My connection goes right back to the 1975/76 season. I was only eight years old when I watched many of those games, including the play-off, and not long after I became a ballboy.
“I’ve known so many of the people who put in the hard graft behind the scenes, and that effort and commitment is what has always made this club so special.”