Marking 50 years since its 1976 Highland League triumph, Nairn County Football Club recently provided pupils from Auldearn, Ardersier, Cawdor, Croy, Millbank and Rosebank primary schools with new club shirts. 

The project was made possible thanks to Ivan Ralph, CEO at Ralph Sayer, who grew up in Nairn and has remained passionate about giving back to his hometown and supporting the volunteer-run club at the heart of its community.

Mr Ralph said: “This is a community-led club, run by passionate and hardworking locals, and being able to give something back has been a long-held ambition of mine. Supporting the people who dedicate their time and energy to keep the club going feels really special.

“Seeing all the pupils, the next generation of fans, wearing the Nairn County colours makes me incredibly proud, because it shows the pride and connection this club continues to bring to the community.”

Among those handing out the strips were first team players Millar Gamble, Ben Barron and Tyler Eadie, joined by manager Wayne Mackintosh.

Each pupil also received a personal letter from the manager, along with a free matchday voucher for their families to attend the upcoming home game against Keith and a £5 food and drink voucher to enjoy at the match. They also received a poster of the full squad and a goody bag kindly provided by the club’s main partner, Murray Travel.

Kevin Reid, Nairn County chairman said: “This season is a truly special one for the club as we celebrate 50 years since winning the Highland League.

“The feedback from pupils, parents and schools has been fantastic, and we’re incredibly proud to have turned an idea we’d been working on for some time into a reality, made possible thanks to the support of Ralph Sayer.”