'It might need a miracle - but we CAN win!' – Caley Thistle fans on route to Hampden
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Today, the Inverness Courier joins a passionate group of Caley Thistle supporters on their journey to Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup Final.
Sitting aboard one of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Supporters Travel Club buses, a contagious hum of 'red and blue' energy runs through the coach.
With conversations revolving around tactics, predictions and the season just past, the age-old football practice of 'whataboutery' is in full swing.
Sixteen league places across two divisions separate today's finalists. But notwithstanding the momentous task facing the Caley Jags, tinges of infectious optimism have been sweeping through the ranks – with one overwhelming feeling: "It can happen!"
Optimism grows even moreso as the journey gets under way, with memories of past wins over the SPFL champions and Scottish Cup glory in 2015 brought to the fore.
Travel Club volunteer George Macrae has seen it all. A fan since the club's inception in 1994, he believes that a victory today would need a miracle – but "anything could happen" on the day.
He said: "It's a great day for it. I have been a Caley Thistle fan ever since the merger, and before that I was a Caledonian supporter. I think it is the best thing that ever happened, and to see the club in amongst the big moments like today. It's fantastic.
"To reach a second Scottish Cup final so quickly after the first, it's unbelievable really. If we were to win today it would be the greatest achievement. It would be a miracle. But miracles happen. We've beaten Rangers, we've beaten Celtic. It could happen.
"Any team can be beat. A little luck has a lot to do with it. If we got an early goal that would make a big difference."
As songs ring out from the back of the bus, teenage supporter Elia, a cool head on young shoulders, believes that no matter the result, the day is massive for the club.
He said: "We are facing the best team in Scotland at the moment, so we just have to try our best. The day brings money to the club and win or lose, this sets the standard for next season.
"A win is possible. There's always that wee possibility. Celtic will start strong and go for goals. It'll be up to Caley to prove them wrong and defend well. If we get lucky, we could win. Something on the counter attack, or a penalty maybe."
Indeed, optimism is high amongst Caley Thistle fans. As the clock ticks down to 5.30pm, the belief only grows stronger.
Hampden, here we come!
