Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s relegation from the top flight of football could have a knock-on effect for the city’s economy.
Pubs and hotels are likely to miss out on extra trade generated by the large travelling support of some of the country’s biggest clubs.
A north business leader said the loss of exposure on national television for the club could have a knock-on effect for the region.
Richie Foran’s side was relegated from the top flight into the Scottish Championship at the weekend, despite a home victory against Motherwell on the final day.
The Caley Jags have played in the top tier of Scottish football since 2010.
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, expressed his disappointment at the club’s relegation, saying he was “struggling to find anything positive” in the situation.
He said the impact would be felt most in the hospitality sector, through the loss of regular visits by clubs with larger traveling support and entourages around the teams.
Mr Nicol also highlighted the loss of international exposure generated through the club dropping out of the top flight.
He said: “There is that less tangible effect which will be felt through the loss of exposure of the city to a wider audience through the likes of Sky and BT showing matches.
“That is something that will be hard to replace.
“There was that real sense of excitement generated by the derby with Ross County and that’s not going happen now unless they happen to draw each other in the cup competitions.
“I can’t really see any upside to it all.”
Don Lawson, owner of popular nightspot Johnny Foxes and chairman of Inverness Pub Watch, said: “There will be an impact, of course there will.
“I expect there will be a manageable impact.”
He said the biggest loss would be travelling supports from some of the larger clubs, who regularly make a weekend out of an away fixture in the Highlands.
Alex Chisholm, chairman of Inverness Highland League side Clachnacuddin, said it could have an impact on developing young talent in the Highlands.
He said: “I’m disappointed. I’m a fan of football and sport generally in the Highlands.
“We want the players playing at the best level they can and that is the top level.
“We have had a great working relationship with Caley-Thistle and Ross County over the years.
“If you’re looking to develop young players and have opportunities in the Highlands, that’s what having them in the top division means.
“We just hope they can regroup and come back up.”
