Brora boss says Highland League move would be ‘natural progression’ for Invergordon
Invergordon’s aspirations to step up to Highland League level have been welcomed by Brora manager Steven Mackay, who says the move would be a “natural progression”.
It emerged last week that Invergordon, the reigning North Caledonian League champions, would “seriously consider” entering a Highland League promotion play-off if plans to meet the criteria for a Scottish FA licence are successful.
Plans to install floodlights, erect a stand and build a wall around their pitch at the Recreation Grounds were revealed in a recent planning application to Highland Council.
Mackay (43) was brought up in the Easter Ross town and turned out for Invergordon a few times in 2020, towards the end of his playing career.
He said: “I think it’s great to see any team showing ambition and I’d be delighted to see them competing in the Highland League. I think it’s a natural progression.
“If there are funds available to build and change the infrastructure to allow them to get into the Highland League, I don’t see why not. They’d be welcome, for sure.”
Mackay was speaking after Brora Rangers kept up their Highland League title bid with a 3-0 win at Wick on Saturday, a result that allowed them to reclaim top spot on goal difference from Brechin City.
There has been no club from Ross-shire at Highland League level since Ross County moved up to the Scottish league more than 30 years ago.
“There’s a big gap [geographically] between Clach and Brora,” Mackay said. “I think it would be well supported and would be a positive move for the area.”
Invergordon manager Gary Campbell had said the club’s plans represent a first step towards applying for full membership of the Scottish Football Association, with the goal of having a Highland League-ready ground by 2026.
He said last week: “It’s an exciting time for Invergordon, not just for the club but for the town too.”
An entry-level licence would be a minimum requirement for Invergordon if they are to entertain ambitions of a step up to the Highland League.
Invergordon won the North Caley title in 2022 and 2024 and are currently second in the table, six points behind Halkirk United with three games in hand.
Campbell said: “Our initial target was to have it for the end of this season, but we are just aiming to get it done as soon as possible.
“The idea has been bubbling for a long time, and we have had several meetings bringing us up to this point. We now hope to have everything in place by next year.
“Promotion is something we would aspire to do, but we wouldn’t want to go up a level and not be prepared.”
Promotion to the Highland League via a play-off was made possible for the first time four years ago. Golspie Sutherland are currently the only licensed club in the North Caledonian League, while Lochee United and Tayport are the only two from the Midlands League that would be eligible.
