Inverness Thistle Football Club: The Return of The Jags
Football in the Scottish Highlands is witnessing a nostalgic revival with the emergence of the new Inverness Thistle Football Club. Founded in 2024, the club—affectionately known as "The Jags"—represents a modern chapter for a name that has deep roots in the sporting heritage of Inverness.
Based in the city of Inverness, the club has officially entered the senior football scene, bringing a renewed sense of local competition and community spirit to the region.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 2024
- Nickname: The Jags
- League: North Caledonian Football League
- Home Ground: Ferry Brae Park, North Kessock
- Management: Drew Martin and Ryan Macleod
- Main Sponsor: Torridon (local band)
A Legacy Reborn: The History of Inverness Thistle
The current iteration of Inverness Thistle is the third time the name has been used for a football team in the city. The original club was established in 1885 and played at Kingsmills Park. As a founding member of the Highland League, the original Thistle was a powerhouse, winning the league title eight times.
This era ended in 1994 when the club merged with its rivals, Caledonian, to form Caledonian Thistle (later known as Inverness Caledonian Thistle). This merger was a strategic move to gain election to the Scottish Football League, the national professional structure. A second, shorter-lived version of the club appeared in 2016 within the Inverness and District Amateur Football League but dissolved by 2018.
The path to the current club began on June 12, 2024, when discussions opened with North Caledonian FA officials. Club representatives explicitly stated that the formation of this new side was independent of any financial challenges facing Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Exactly one year later, on June 12, 2025, it was officially announced that Inverness Thistle would compete in the North Caledonian League for the 2025–26 season.
Community and Sponsorship
The club has embraced local culture through its partnerships. On July 27, 2025, the club announced that the local band Torridon would serve as the main shirt sponsor. In a unique promotional move, the band members wore the club's kits during their performance at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.
Stadium and Facilities
During its early stages and while playing in the Inverness and District Amateur Football League (AFA), the club utilized Bught Park. However, upon gaining admission to the North Caledonian League, the club transitioned to a new home.
Inverness Thistle now plays at Ferry Brae Park in North Kessock. This venue became available after the previous tenants, Inverness Athletic, relocated to Pavilion Park in Muir of Ord.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Club Overview
The following table summarizes the core identity and current status of the club.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Inverness Thistle Football Club |
| Founded | 2024 |
| League | North Caledonian League |
| Ground | Ferry Brae Park |
| Managers | Drew Martin & Ryan Macleod |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same club that merged in 1994?
No. The original Inverness Thistle merged with Caledonian in 1994 to form Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The current club is a new entity founded in 2024 that has adopted the historic name.
Which league does Inverness Thistle currently play in?
The club competes in the North Caledonian Football League, having officially joined for the 2025–26 season.
Where is the club's home ground located?
The club plays its home matches at Ferry Brae Park, located in North Kessock.
Who is the main sponsor of the team?
The main shirt sponsor is the local band Torridon.
Who manages the team?
The club is managed by Drew Martin and Ryan Macleod.