sipage

A view from afar here, someone who has no real investment in your club other than enjoyment at its very existence and frankly phenomenal achievements. Always liked Scotland and Scottish football from being a kid growing up in the 70s. Blame Corby's ex-pats, Andy Gray and the Scottish roots of my club. Had a team I looked out for in every division in Scotland (Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Queens Park if you care) and in the Highland League it was the Jags. Saw a game at Kingsmills as a kid and, despite also going to Claggan Park back in the day, Thistle was who I really looked out for. Mixed feelings about the merger in that if anyone suggested merging Aston Villa with anything I'd demand a burning, but loved the idea of Inverness being a city of recognised substance. Having a club in the big leagues spoke a bit of the regrowth of the Highlands. That said, I understand and respect anyone who bemoans the loss of their club to merger. I am still amazed at what ICT have achieved. Even the current position is as high as you could reasonably expect of a small club outside the Central Belt and in a world so obscenely dominated by two extremely odious institutions. To spend so long in the top flight, actually compete there and win the big cup is beyond any kind of wild fantasy. It has been an absolute joy to watch your club rise. Conversely, my actual club is currently at its lowest point for nearly 50 years but I enjoy it more than the drudge of avoiding relegation or being best of the rest; listening to ill-informed cliche merchants pour over every meaningless stat. Competitive football is so good to watch and outside the top flight it's about the game rather than the televising of and paying for it. The not knowing what will happen as opposed to the certainty that Celtic will win the title, or the same over-financed clubs in England will carry off the silver, is the thing that makes sport great. Football at the top can be astonishingly dull, and the Caley Jags have never been that.

Inverness is the only place I'd move to without any hesitation if I could get the right job there. I think it's a great city which stands out because of its relative isolation. The thing is, if I did move there I'd be another outsider. Is there really a problem with that or do the good things which come with change outweigh the bad? I live in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the UK and love it all the more for that. Surely when places are insular they stand still, eventually losing their young who won't relate to the things their (grand)parents love so much. As an outsider, I fear the growth of the place will lead to more bland housing and chain stores. I'd hope local people/politicians could do something to fight against Inverness becoming a carbon copy of every other city in the country by encouraging sympathetic development, helping independent small businesses and developing a nightlife which is more than just RnB hellholes. But you shouldn't forget what you've got: Probably the best collection of restaurants for a place that size anywhere in Britain; live venues which attract a weird but wonderful mix of acts/events; some great pubs (well, three that I can think of); the riverside; a hugely varied leisure scene; two never dull football clubs; and all surrounded by some of the most awesome natural beauty on the planet. Not perfect, but one hell of a good start. In fact, get rid of the Celtic, Rangers and (most) Tesco outlets in the city and I'd say there's nowhere better.

Test

Same here. Won't leave it so long etc...