They have become the Scottish Premiership’s new New Firm, and they have made their name in cup competitions.
And now – albeit for a short time only – the Highlands is celebrating the historic event of holding two national football cup trophies at once.
With Inverness Caledonian Thistle the current holders of the Scottish Cup (although they are out of it already this year, so will not retain it) and Ross County fresh from winning the Scottish League Cup, the Highlands are almost making it look too easy.
Yesterday, Provost of Inverness Helen Carmichael and Councillor Margaret Paterson from Dingwall and Seaforth Ward greeted club representatives and examined the silverware.
Provost Helen Carmichael said: “This is an historic day for the Highlands and I’m honoured and privileged to have held both of the cups here in Inverness. Congratulations to both Clubs.”
Councillor Margaret Paterson added: “This is absolutely amazing for both Ross County and Inverness and the whole of the Highlands, because history has been made having the two cups here in the Highlands! It is a tremendous achievement by both teams.”
Iain Auld, Commercial Manager for Inverness Caley Thistle Football Club said: “It is a fantastic achievement for the Highlands to hold both national cup trophies for the first time. We enjoyed our day in the sunshine at Hampden last year and we are delighted to see our Highland neighbours also experience success at Hampden in March.”
Alastair Kennedy, Director of Ross County Football Club said: “It was a great day in the Club’s history to win the League Cup for the very first time. It was a great occasion for all our fans and we are very appreciative of the support we have received from Highland Council.”