Highland councillors have pledged £8,000 from the Inverness common good fund to help subsidise a Scottish Cup final trip for young Caley Thistle fans.
Council chiefs have also issued a call for city businesses to rally round the club as it prepares for the historic Hampden showdown against Falkirk on May 30.
They want firms to match cash backing donated by the players to help as many children as possible experience the side’s first Scottish Cup final.
Council convener and diehard fan Jimmy Gray said: “The aim is to enable children and families to have the best opportunity of attending the game.
“Members and officers are meeting with the club and the supporters’ trust to identify ways we can help stimulate as much interest as possible in the biggest game in the club’s history.
“Reaching the final puts Inverness and the Highlands firmly on the map for high profile sporting events and will help us promote our beautiful region to the world.
“Local businesses have a huge role to play in this and we hope they will follow the example of the players and the common good fund and pledge their support.”
The council’s city leader Ian Brown said: “Inverness Caledonian Thistle have come of age by reaching this final. It highlights just how far the club has come since joining the Scottish League set-up in 1994.
“We’re all very proud of their success and it would be great if local businesses get on board.”
Expressing thanks to the council, club chairman Kenny Cameron said: “May 30 will be the biggest day in history so far for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
“The council and the club are working together to enable 2,000 kids to get to the final.
“The money from the common good fund together with players’ semi-final bonus money and donations from individuals will help more families to attend the final by making the first 2000 children’s tickets free.
“If funding permits, we will look at sponsoring childrens’ seats on the supporters’ buses with the trust who are doing an excellent job organising fans’ travel.”
Any businesses wanting to help should contact Iain Auld at the club.
Children’s tickets priced at £5 are available for the east stand, behind the goals.
For more information visit the club’s shop in the Victorian Market or the Caledonian Stadium, or the ICT website at