Inverness gave a heroes welcome to its Scottish Cup winning team yesterday as the proud city held a huge party.
The Highland capital turned red, white and blue to mark Inverness Caley Thistle’s homecoming after their historic victory at Hampden.
Hopes are high that the feel-good factor will boost the team to greater success, particularly with European football beckoning next season.
Last night, city leaders praised the club for putting Inverness “on the map” and voiced hopes that the whole of the Highlands would benefit from the triumph.
Drew Hendry MP said: “It is superb. It is not just a great day for the club or the city; this is a historic day for the whole Highlands.
“It is tremendous thing to have the cup coming here.”
City leader Councillor Ian Brown said: “It is utterly fantastic. This really puts Inverness on the map.
“I don’t think anyone here will ever forget this. It is one of those moments you will tell your grandchildren.”
After the drama of Saturday’s match, the city showed its appreciation by turning out in their thousands to greet the team parade through the streets on an open-top bus.
Traffic came to a standstill as the bus passed to cheers from the crowds beside the River Ness.
The party at the Northern Meeting Park attracted thousands of people and provost Alex Graham presented the City of Inverness medal to captain Graham Shinnie.
Mr Graham told the crowd: “This is a great city with a great way of life. It is a great place to live and work.
“We have a great football club in this Inverness Caledonian Thistle, which is a young club, only 21 years old.
“We have a great squad and a great manager.
“One of the high points of being provost was yesterday at Hampden when this young club won the Scottish Cup.
“It is a great achievement for Inverness Caledonian Thistle. I am so proud to be here.”
After the parade, Councillor Richard Laird said: “It is the proudest moment of my life.
“What the club has achieved for the city is almost insurmountable and I am pleased that it is finally being appreciated.
“I hope that some of the 14,000 people who went to Hampden now go and buy tickets and come to matches, and show their support week in and week out.”