Bunillidh Thistle unsure on returning to North Caledonian League next season

Bunillidh Thistle say they are unsure on whether they will return to the North Caledonian League next season.

The Helmsdale outfit, who pulled out of this season’s campaign due to concerns over the impact of the pandemic on football, have not made a final decision on whether they will play in the 2021/22 campaign.

All 12 current teams in the NCL, including Sutherland clubs, Bonar Bridge, Golspie Sutherland and Scourie will return next season as the competition will go back to one division after splitting into two leagues this season.

Bunillidh suffered a blow in January when the Bunillidh Sports Club, which helps fund the football team to play in the league, suffered from flooding in January and will not be open until at least October due to the work that is required to get the facility back up and running.

Bunillidh Thistle chairman Billy Cowie says no final decision has been made next season, but they do plan to return to the league eventually.

“The flooding caused tens of thousands of pounds of damage to the club,” he said.

“We have had to take out the bar, toilets, ceiling, walls and doors.

“We will not be able to reopen it until the winter.

“The league has said to our manager that they will keep us a member of the NCFA due to the upheaval of the sports club.”

Cowie added: “We haven’t had a meeting to say we won’t play next season.

“But we will have to decide in the next few weeks if we will.”

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