Author: Stewart

HOME MATCH v KEITH FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025 KO 3pm

This first post’s heading of the new season references the late Ozzy Osbourne, a hero to many of us, who passed away this week and as such we board the crazy train that is the Highland League – destination April 2026. 
As ever the first day of a new season is filled with great anticipation and hope that this one will be better than the last, and I am sure that the squad of boys that Ryan and his coaching staff are putting together will have more impact on the League than we have had for many a season.

On Saturday we welcome players, management and supporters of Keith FC. Last season Keith finished in fifteenth position and in so doing will provide us with a tough opening match, but a match hopefully we can start our campaign with a point or three. – if any of the travelling support want a resumé of Grantown’s amenities click here

Recently we welcomed defenders Bailey Black and Ali Morrison, goalkeeper Danny Gillan, as well as striker Shaun Morrison to the Jags and hope their time here will be very successful, and we look forward to seeing them in action in the coming weeks and months.

STOP PRESS

Ross County Duo Join Strathspey Thistle on Loan

We were delighted to confirm the loan signings of Jamie Williamson and Calum Brown.
Midfielder Jamie and striker Calum are exciting young talents from the Ross County youth system, and now join the Strathy Jags to gain valuable first-team experience in the Highland League.
Manager Ryan Esson said “Jamie and Calum are both promising young players who are eager to develop and challenge themselves. We’re pleased to have them on board and look forward to working with them.”
Welcome to The Jags, Jamie and Calum! 

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MATCH v FORRES THISTLE LAST SATURDAY (19 JULY)
Even though it poured rain there was much to enjoy for Jags’ fans in our last pre-season friendly.
Hopefully a precurser to the season because as the weather improved so did the scoreline, and we finished up with a five-nil win over Forres Thistle.
Goals from Keiran Duffty, Lewis Mackie and a hat-trick for new striker Shaun Morrison gave us hope that we will have a far stronger presence in front of goal this season.
New ‘keeper Danny Gillan has also made a strong start in both games he has played in, and pulled off a fantastic save from a close range effort from one of the Forres forwards.
The only negative from the day was that last year’s Player of the Year Filip Franczak had to limp off after a crunching tackle.

HALF-TIME RAFFLE

The half-time raffle at the Forres game was won by Wendy Shaw from Nairn. 

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PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Contact Laura :
hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

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SEASON TICKETS

Click here for season ticket info…..

THE NEW COMMITTEE ROOM
Committees throughout the North will be pleased to see that we have now got a designated space for visiting committee members and Jags’ fans season ticket add-on holders.

Thanks go to Charlie Sinclair for sourcing the cabin, Wernick’s from Nairn for supplying and delivering, the guys from Horton Homes for their joinery work and Cask Construction for gifting the kitchen units, JP for broadband and Audrey Sinclair for cleaning and preparing the unit ready for the off……

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LOTTERY NOW £12,000……

As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a phantasmogorigal  £12,100…….that’s a monthly spending spree of over a £1,000 for the next year if you want…..or put it it away for a rainy day – anyway it’s a great prize to win – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

SO THAT WILL BE US UNDERWAY ON SATURDAY AND WE WISH ALL THE TEAMS IN THE HIGHLAND LEAGUE ALL THE BEST …….ALTHOUGH MAYBE NOT WHEN THEY ARE PLAYING THE JAGS!!
OUR NEXT GAME WILL BE AN AWAY MATCH AGAINST ROTHES FC ON WEDNESDAY 30 JULY – MACKESSACK PARK IN ROTHES KO-8pm.

WELCOME DANNY GILLAN

STFC are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Danny Gillan, who joins The Jags on a two-year deal from treble-winning Brora Rangers ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 20-year-old is a familiar face to manager Ryan Esson, with the pair having spent several years together at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Now reunited at Strathspey, Danny brings quality, leadership, and presence between the posts.
Manager Ryan Esson said “I know Danny really well from our time at Inverness. He’s a top professional and a great character, and he’ll bring experience and consistency to our squad. I’m very pleased to bring him in.”

ANOTHER VERY SUCCESSFUL, BUT EXCEPTIONALLY HOT GOLF DAY

As ever it was a great success. 

At 8.20am the first of thirty-nine teams teed off on Saturday at Grantown Golf Club in a team scramble event with the final team heading out at 2.40.
Our thanks must firstly go to the greenkeeping staff for their immaculate presentation of the golf course.

The weather for this year’s event was hot…very, very hot… in fact so hot that your correspondent and his team after teeing off at 2.30 in the afternoon could only suffer eight holes and my admiration goes out to all the other teams that completed their eighteen holes…did I say it was hot…32°C, only six days have seen a similar temperature in Scotland since 1961, when I was six years old!!!
Working in all that heat our thanks must also go to Nacho and his team who looked after the catering and bar duties tremendously in what must have been extreme conditions both in the club house and at the “Half-Way House”. 

With a score of 48.1 the winners of the Team Event were Dean Harvie, Sam Smit, Michell Drummond and Scott Laing and the Ladies event was won by Maggie Lawson, Debbie Grant, Debbie Kinnaird and Nicola Torrance.

Unfortunately Dean and Maggie were unable to stay until the prize-giving hence they are not in the photos, although Dean is pictured below with son Freddie, as winner of the Half Time Raffle prize at the Dufftown game.
We must also thank the following individuals and businesses whose support and sponsorship made the day possible.
Firstly our thanks go to Mackellar Engineering and 4M Earthing Solutions in sponsoring the event and the following individuals and companies for their generosity with hole sponsorships –
MKM BUILDING SUPPLIES, AVIEMORE (2X HOLES)
MORGANTI BAR, NAIRN
ROSS & SIMPSON CARPETS & VINYL, KEITH
PLANT & FIXINGS, INVERNESS
SCOTT CLARK, GRANTOWN
EMAC JOINERY, FORRES
PLANT & FIXINGS, INVERNESS
McINNES ELECTRICAL, AVIEMORE
CARNVALE KIT BUILDERS, EDINBURGH
SPEYSIDE HOTEL, GRANTOWN
JOHN PATERSON ELECTRICAL, GRANTOWN
AW LAING, GRANTOWN
CASK CONSTRUCTION, GRANTOWN
MAC JOINERY HIGHLAND LTD, INVERNESS
KINETIC RENEWABLES/HORTON HOMES
McCULLOCH PLUMBING & HEATING, GRANTOWN
WJ SELLARS BUILDERS, GRANTOWN
GRANTOWN GARAGE
FORSYTH’S, ROTHES

As ever, thanks go to Donly McLeod and STFC commercial director Laura Mackie for organising and running the competition, and we were very pleased that Grantown Golf Club Captain Fraser Mackellar helped throughout the day helping our own Charlie Sinclair registering teams and finding out their meal requests and checking score cards.

Thanks also go to committee stalwarts Mags Clark who ran a fantastic and successful raffle on the day, and Rob Clark and Graeme Stuart were also selling Lottery tickets –  thanks also go to the other committee members who helped in preparations and help on the day.
Last, but not least, we would like to thank everyone who participated in any way and hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves and are, hopefully, already looking forward to next years’ event. 

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MATCH v DUFFTOWN FC – TUESDAY 8 JULY
As we continue our build up to the season (KO 26 July) we hosted Dufftown FC in a friendly on Tuesday night (8th), and  it turned out to be an official 1-0 win …but unofficially it was 2-0. More later!
Dufftown put up a very good defensive display which made it difficult for the Jags to break through, and although we had a lot of possession, chances were very few and far between and it took an excellent drive late in the first half for us to go into the break one up.
Cheered on by our “gang of twelve and a drummer” (although it sounds as though there are a lot more drummers!!) there were many Jags’ changes just after the hour mark, but still the resilient Dufftown refused to be overrun and survived until Aaron Dorran, with probably the last kick of the game, cleverly shot back across goal from a good old fashioned inside right position, and the ball, beat the keeper and scraped in at the right hand post, but a  larger hole in the net than is the customary net size one, and probably as a result of a visiting rabbit or two over the close season, caused the ball to end up against the advertising hoarding making the referee assume, not that he had any reason to not assume, that the ball had passed the outside of the post – and, as you can imagine the said hole was fixed more or less directly just after full time whistle!!

AARON DORAN’S TESTIMONIAL

We thought this was a great photo taken at Caledonian Stadium, Inverness of Aaron and his children being honoured by the players of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County at the start of proceedings.

A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE

Today, Wednesday 16 July, we took delivery of a toilet block which will be attached to The Mackellar Suite – thanks go to Josh Horton of Horton Homes who made the deal with Wernick’s of Nairn – and our thanks go to them too, especially their delivery man Joe, who had a bit of a job placing the unit on site. Now, hospitality guests and customers will not need to brave the elements having to make their way to our toilet black when nature calls.

LOTTERY NOW £12,000……

As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a phantasmogorigal  £12,000…….that’s a monthly £1,000 spending spree for the next year if you want…..or put it it away for a rainy day – anyway it’s a great prize to win – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, tomorrow night’s (15 July) pre-season friendly versus Islavale FC at Seafield Park has had to be cancelled.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.

This means our focus now moves to Saturday and our last pre-season fixture against Forres Thistle FC at Seafield Park, with a KO time of 2pm, and it would be great if you can come and support Ryan and the boys then.
This will be our last pre-season friendly before we kick off the Breedon Highland League season at home to Keith on Saturday 26 July KO 3pm.

MATCH v ROSS COUNTY FC TUESDAY 1 JULY, SEAFIELD PARK.
A huge thank you to Don Cowie, John Robertson and the entire Ross County squad and staff for making the trip through to Grantown on Tuesday night.
It was a fantastic evening and a great test for our squad against top opposition and we appreciated the players and staff for making time for the young fans who attended.
We admired the professionalism and quality Ross County brought to the occasion — and we wish them all the very best for the season ahead!

As you can see from the team lines County had their full squad and played with a different eleven in each half, with goals coming from a header from Keiran Phillips in the sixteenth minute, three second half goals from the very impressive Northern Ireland international Ronan Hale and a further goal from Calum Brown making it five.
If you want to see the goals check out either our own or Ross County’s Facebook pages.

The Jags played very well with some superb defending in the first half but tiredness began to show latterly but both managers were happy with their team’s evening’s work.
Ross County head to Inverness on Saturday for our own Aaron Doran’s testimonial, who, I’m delighted to report started Tuesday night’s match and played forty five minutes.
Thanks also to everyone who came along and created a brilliant atmosphere!

HALF-TIME RAFFLE WINNER

Winner of the half-time raffle draw on Tuesday night was local Jags’ fan Paul Mathieson, a regular at Seafield Park – congratulations Paul.

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PRESEASON FIXTURES

All the preseason fixtures will be at Seafield Park
Next Tuesday (8th) we host Dufftown FC KO 7.30 / Tuesday 15 July v Islavale KO 7.45 and Saturday 19 July v. Forres Thistle KO 2pm

Another date for your diary is an away tie to either Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Lossiemouth in the North of Scotland Cup on Wednesday 20 August KO 8pm.

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GOLF DAY JULY 12
Preparations are well under way for our annual fund raising Golf Day and we look forward to welcoming the teams to Grantown Golf Club a week on Saturday

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ADMISSION PRICES SEASON 2025-2026 

In accordance with all other Highland League clubs the cost of admission to games this season will be 
Adult – £12
Concessions (over 65) – £6
Under 16’s free.

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THE BOARDROOM TAKES SHAPE AND NEW FACES AT THE SNACK BAR

Beginning to take shape is the new Boardroom which we will be using for visiting committee members and will be fully functioning in time for our first SHL home fixture against Keith FC on July 26.

We thank Horton Homes, again, for putting together the kitchen area and we thank Cask for donating the kitchen units  (https://caskconstruction.co.uk)

…..and as you can see from the photo we have new incumbents in our Snack Bar who will be supplying spectators with their pies and Bovril this season…..and, they got off to a great and very  busy start at the Ross County game.

SEASON TICKETS

Great savings on season ticket  prices are available up until our first game of the season against Keith FC on July 26…… 

contact: hospitality@strathspeythistle.com

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LOTTERY NOW £11,8000……

As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a whopping great £11,800…….click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

Friday 13^th: Inverness Caley Thistle confirmed the details of a testimonial match for current STFC player/coach Aaron Doran with Ross County visiting the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday 5^th July. Kick-off is at 2pm and tickets are available here.

Saturday 21^st: A busy one at Seafield Park with our family fun day, a friendly against an Inverness Caley Thistle XI and entertainment into the evening with live music from Cadence.
Caley’s Under-19’s ran out 4-1 winners on the day with Aaron Doran netting his first goal for the Jags midway through the second half. Speaking to the Press & Journal after the game, manager Ryan Esson said: “At times, we didn’t pass the ball was well as we can, but you have to give the opposition credit for their pressing – they were energetic. For us, it was a good exercise.”

After the visit of Ross County on the first of the month, further friendlies are scheduled for next Tuesday (8th) Dufftown FC, then Tuesday 15^th at home to Islavale FC (7.30pm) and Saturday 19^th at home to Forres Thistle FC (2pm).

Last season’s Player of the Year awards were also handed out with Filip Franczak the big winner, bagging five trophies (Player’s, Coach’s, Directors’ and Committees’) and Young Player of the Year. Josh Race won the Supporters’ vote.

Season Tickets

Season tickets for the 2025/26 season are available at early-bird prices until 13^th July. Adults £120, Concessions £60 (16-18 and 65+), on sale at  hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk 

A reminder of our scheduled fixtures for the upcoming campaign…

Matchday Hospitality

With the fixtures now out, want to enjoy matchday in style? 

Register your interest in matchday hospitality and sponsorship now and get ahead of the game.

Email hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk to express your interest.

Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £11,800!

We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £11,400, now is the perfect time to enter.

You can enter online through this link and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.

Strathspey Thistle website – https://strathspeythistlefc.com

Strathspey Thistle on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/strathspeythistlefc

ALL ROUND HAPPENINGS

Another very successful day at Seafield Park – thank you!

Firstly, multitudinous thanks must go to the terrific twosome – committee member Heather Horton and Commercial Director Laura Mackie for their massive efforts in putting on the STFC Fun Day 25 – not only the herculean amount on the day itself, but all the background work over many days before and after the event ……Ladies, we salute you and thank you both very much.

Thanks must also go the other committee members and helpers – Josh, Donly, Allan, Tom, Charlie, Graeme, Marty, Mags, Rob, Alan, Fraser and JP with his Strathspey Rovers hat on.
As ever, many thanks must go to committee man Jon Wood for his time producing all the excellent food from his BBQ, and at night the band Cadence – Brooksie, Liam, Jack and Fraser for their musical magnificence and not forgetting Martin Grant for lending us the Trucks n 2 Grantown marquee tents and the volunteers who helped erect and dismantle them.

MATCH REPORT

On a very hot afternoon most spectators were impressed at the calibre of the U-19s team that Inverness Caledonian Thistle sent from Inverness – in fact many were speculating that quite a few will be involved with the first eleven quite a lot throughout next season.
ICT got off to a fine start and after the first forty-five minutes they were three up with two goals from trialist Carlos Heredia and a penalty from Ben Gardiner. The Jags had a far better second half although conceding a free kick from Sam Thompson, Jags’ assistant manager and former ICT star Aaron Doran scored his first Jags goal with a superb shot. 
Manager Ryan Esson was generally quite pleased with the way the game went – the first pre-season outing and with Dylan Lawrence, Daniel Whitehorn, Caelan Mutch and Lewis Mackie amongst those not available for selection.
Ryan, interviewed after the game by the P&J’s Paul Chalk said, “I like the core of this team and I felt last season we were a better team that our league position suggested. We have identified a few positions for strengthening, but we haven’t quite done so yet, but we have a few targets in mind. We want players to come in and provide real competition in every position. I don’t think we’ve quite got that. We were missing five boys on Saturday who would have given us extra legs and definitely would have been looking to start. We had to ask boys to keep going and, fair play, they did so and in the second half we were much better”

PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

After the game there was the presentations for the 2024/2025 Player of the Year Awards. Winning the Players, Directors and Committee’s, Coach’s and the Young Player of the Year was Filip Franczak and our congratulations go to him and we hope he has as good a season in 25/26. The Supporters choice was Josh Race and our congratulations go to him too – and our hopes of another season like the last Josh!

Top goalscorer award went to Daniel Whitehorn who unfortunately was not able to attend – but hopefully Dan can emulate and surpass last season’s total over the next ten months.

– and also extra thanks must go Laura for taking the Player of the Year pics too!!

PRE-SEASON FIXTURES AMENDED

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AARON DORAN ICT TESTIMONIAL

The astute amongst you sports fans, will have noticed from our last posting that the game against Alness United has been postponed.
This is because players and Jags fans wanted to have a chance to support Jags’ assistant manager Aaron Doran’s long overdue Testimonial at the Caledonian Stadium, Inverness on the 5 July with a match against Ross County, the match being sponsored by Mackellar Engineering.
Speaking of Ross County, we will be hosting them for a pre-season friendly next Tuesday evening (July 1) kick off 7.45 as well as playing their U-19’s, two weeks later on Tuesday July 15, here at Seafield Park this time with a 7.30 KO.

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GOLF DAY – TWO WEEKS ON SATURDAY

Please contact Donly – see details on poster, for any information about sponsorship, hole sponsorship, or entering a team.

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LOTTERY

And finally, for this week, the Jags’ Fundraising Lottery jackpot continues to grow – this week reaching £11,700 – so if you want to have a chance of winning click here to play

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified

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THAT’S IT FOR ANOTHER WEEK – THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ’25 FUN DAY – STRATHSPEY THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT.

FUN DAY

Next Saturday (21June) sees the Club’s second annual funday with a visit from an Inverness Caledonian Thistle XI, various fun activties throughout the afternoon, the Player of the Year Awards for last season taking place after the game and local rock band Cadence playing in the marquee at night – something for everyone and a great day to be had by all – we look forward to seeing you at Seafield Park – see poster for details.

GOLF DAY 
Our annual fund-raising Golf Day takes place on the 12 July – four weeks away – at Grantown Golf Club and all details are on the poster – another cracking day out!!

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SAF AUDIT
The SFA’s Stuart Brown visited us on Friday May 30 to conduct the audit that every senior club in Scotland participates in. Happily the audit was completed successfully so we are all set for Season 2025-2026.
Thanks go to Club Secretary Clive Wolstenholme for the tremendous effort and work he puts in enabling the Club to pass.

STRATHSPEY ROVERS
The third annual Strathspey Rovers Festival and fundraiser was another resounding success on Saturday May 31. They hosted 27 teams across U8, U10, and U12 categories, with over 300 players plus their coaches, families, friends, and supporters joining us from 9am to 4pm. The weather held up beautifully, and the day ran smoothly without a hitch. Rovers send their thanks to our incredible community for supporting this event, cheering teams and making this a special day for the kids taking part.

PRESEASON FIXTURES

As ever any changes will be on our social media pages.

SEASON 2025-2026 ADMISSION PRICES 

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LOTTERY NOW £11,500

It ’s still a ginormous amount for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…jackpot £11,500……

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

……..AND WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH THE VERY EXCELLENT TEAM AT THE GRANTOWN DINER A HAPPY FIFTH BITHDAY…….CONGRATULATIONS……

COMPILED BY ALEX WOLSTENHOLME

Stop press: Late news from last month and a special delivery to Seafield Park as our new clubhouse was delivered. This will be used to welcome visiting committee members next season. 

Saturday 3^rd: Brora Rangers will still be amongst those visiting after losing over two legs to Lowland League champions East Kilbride for the right to play Bonnyrigg Rose in the promotion/relegation play-off. Later in the month East Kilbride would go on to win promotion to the SPFL.

Tuesday 6^th: The Jags announced the first signing of the summer, striker Shaun Morrison on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old, formerly of Forres Mechanics and Rothes, worked with manager Ryan Esson at Inverness Caley Thistle previously.

The Strathspey Herald quoted Ryan as saying: “Great to get Shaun over the line. He’s still young but has good experience at this level.”

Thursday 8^th: Club historian Rob Clark shared his memories of David Ritchie, father of former manager Brian Ritchie and grandfather of former player Davie Ritchie, after his sad passing, describing him as a ‘pivotal figure’ in the history of Strathspey Thistle FC.

‘On the day of the Highland Council meeting to decide the future development of Seafield Park, it was Mr Ritchie who quietly stepped away during a recess and returned with the news that we had secured the crucial votes,’ said Rob.

‘Without his efforts, Strathspey Thistle may never have been able to accept the invitation to join the Highland League. Our thoughts are with the Ritchie family at this time.’

Wednesday 14^th: The Press & Journal reported that agreement was close on a new structure for Tier 5 of the Scottish game. For the Highland League that means two, rather than three, feeder leagues in the shape of the North Region Juniors and the North Caledonian League.

The Midlands League, which Jags supporters and officials have often kept an eye for potential league winners who would qualify for a play-off against the HL’s bottom club, would feed into a new Lowland League East from 2026/27 while clubs from Angus and Tayside, such as Brechin City, would move into the new Lowland section.

Highland League president Sandy Sinclair told the P&J: “We feel the proposal that was put forward makes economic and geographical sense and we’re pleased it has been adopted by all the relevant bodies.”

Friday 23^rd: Members of the STFC committee enjoyed the Highland League’s annual dinner at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness, where Angus Grant of Huntly was named as the league’s player of the year.

Friday 30^th: A busy day of fixture news…The Jags were given the toughest possible draw in the opening round of the Highland League Cup, away to holders Brora Rangers on Saturday 13^th September, and also learned of their league fixtures for 2025/26 as below…

With the fixtures now out, want to enjoy matchday in style? 

Register your interest in matchday hospitality and sponsorship now and get ahead of the game.

Email hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk to express your interest.

Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £11,400!

We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £11,400, now is the perfect time to enter.

You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING THE JACKPOT

Dates for the Diary

We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:

Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day and Caley Thistle friendly at Seafield Park

Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park, including music from Cadence and a pre-season test against an Inverness Caledonian Thistle XI (kick-off 2pm).

 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club

Team Scramble event which starts at 9am, with participating teams leaving the first tee at twelve minute intervals with some fantastic prizes.

Details are available from Club Chairman Donly McLeod – tel. no 07709 990 286

Strathspey Thistle website – https://strathspeythistlefc.com

Strathspey Thistle on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/strathspeythistlefc

Well. what’s been happening over the past two or three weeks in Jagsland…..

SHAUN SIGNS, AARON EXTENDS

Starting with excellent news regarding Shaun Morrison and Aaron Doran……

We were delighted to confirm the signing of 21-year-old forward Shaun Morrison on a permanent three-year deal from Forres Mechanics.
A graduate of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle youth academy, Shaun moved to Forres in January 2022 and most recently gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Rothes.
Manager Ryan Esson, who has previously worked with Shaun, said:
“I know Shaun well and I’m delighted to bring him to Strathspey Thistle. He’s a talented forward with real potential and a great attitude. I’m excited to work with him again and watch him develop with us.”

And more excellent signing news we’re also delighted to announce that Aaron Doran has signed a one-year contract extension continuing as a player/coach. 

Aaron arrived at the club alongside manager Ryan Esson, bringing immense experience — most notably making over 350 appearances for Inverness CT, where he cemented his status as a club legend.  
While a long-term injury has prevented him from making his debut for Strathspey so far, his influence behind the scenes has been invaluable. With his recovery progressing well, we’re hopeful Aaron will rejoin the squad during pre-season and finally make his long-awaited debut in Strathy Jags colours next season.
Ryan Esson said:
“Aaron’s quality and experience are clear, but it’s the way he’s applied himself around the club during a difficult year that’s been outstanding. Having him continue as player/coach is a big boost, and we’re all excited to see him back on the pitch soon.”

Pre-season starts 9 June ………

ANNUAL PITCH MAINTENANCE

Mike and Malcolm from Highland Landscapes and Designs (https://www.highlandlandscapedesign.co.uk) started last Thursday (22May) our annual pitch maintenance programme – the pitch as you can see from the photo was showing signs of the good weather and the lack of water over the past month or so, but fortunately Friday night brought a fair bit of rain- so I would imagine we are back to our normal Scottish weather so drought should be now be averted…

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SANDWICHES GALORE
According to our sources it was National Sandwich week last week, and we couldn’t let the celebration go past without a big shout out to the Premier team that provides the sandwiches for our visiting teams, committees, and guests at Seafield Park.

Premier Grantown, as you know, are one of Strathspey Thistle FC’s major sponsors and this hardworking crew led by the legendary Mani, prepares for Premier Shops all over Scotland, over 3,000 sandwiches, wraps, baguettes, and salad boxes every week – fresh and full of flavour! 
They’re our behind-the-scenes sandwich stars that keep everyone fed and happy!
Their Coronation Chicken sandwich must be one of the finest in existence!!

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HIGHLAND LEAGUE ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

Pictured enjoying themselves at the recent Highland League Annual Awards dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness are three of the Jags stalwarts – L to R – committee member Mags Clark, Babs McLeod, wife of Chairman Donly McLeod, and Laura Mackie, our Commercial Director.

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FAMILY FUN DAY – SATURDAY JUNE 21

The details of our Family Fun Day have been finalised for THREE weeks this coming Saturday .. 21 June…..the longest day – more time to enjoy yourselves …..see poster for details

AND CLOSELY FOLLOWING ON IT’S HEELS OUR FUND RAISING GOLF DAY

The Golf day will be taking place again at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club which is situated next door to Seafield Park on Saturday July 12….a Team Scramble event which starts at 9am, with participating teams leaving the first tee at twelve minute intervals with some fantastic prizes.
Details are available from Club Chairman Donly McLeod – tel no 07709 990 286

LOTTERY NOW £11,3000……

As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a whopping great £11,300…….

 click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.

• 6. All winners will be notified.

Wednesday 2^nd: No game for the Jags but all eyes were on Kynoch Park where Keith edged past Rothes by a single goal to keep STFC three points clear of Rothes at the bottom of the Highland League table.

Saturday 5^th: We entertained Wick Academy at Seafield Park, the match sponsored by LG Simpson, Highway Contractors, on a beautiful day for football. The visitors took an early lead before James McShane equalised midway through the first-half. Wick went back in front before the break and extended their lead shortly after before a Jags fightback nearly earned a point, Daniel Whitehorn scoring and then what we thought was an 85^th minute equaliser being disallowed. Defeat for Rothes all but ensured we would not finish bottom of the Highland League this season.

Wednesday 9^th: Our turn to visit Keith and, with the pressure off for the Jags in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, we turned on the style to record an excellent 4-1 victory. Daniel Whitehorn netted twice, to continue his goalscoring form, with Cameron Lisle and Paul Brindle, with a penalty, also on the mark.

Saturday 12^th: A sunny day at Seafield Park but no win to end the season as Turriff United ran out 4-1 winners, Paul Brindle scoring the Jags’ goal. That left the final table looking like this…

Wednesday 2^nd: No game for the Jags but all eyes were on Kynoch Park where Keith edged past Rothes by a single goal to keep STFC three points clear of Rothes at the bottom of the Highland League table.

Saturday 5^th: We entertained Wick Academy at Seafield Park, the match sponsored by LG Simpson, Highway Contractors, on a beautiful day for football. The visitors took an early lead before James McShane equalised midway through the first-half. Wick went back in front before the break and extended their lead shortly after before a Jags fightback nearly earned a point, Daniel Whitehorn scoring and then what we thought was an 85^th minute equaliser being disallowed. Defeat for Rothes all but ensured we would not finish bottom of the Highland League this season.

Wednesday 9^th: Our turn to visit Keith and, with the pressure off for the Jags in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, we turned on the style to record an excellent 4-1 victory. Daniel Whitehorn netted twice, to continue his goalscoring form, with Cameron Lisle and Paul Brindle, with a penalty, also on the mark.

Saturday 12^th: A sunny day at Seafield Park but no win to end the season as Turriff United ran out 4-1 winners, Paul Brindle scoring the Jags’ goal. That left the final table looking like this…

Last season’s record, for comparison, was played 34, won 3, drew 1, lost 30, goals for 35, goals against 151, goal difference -116 and points 10 so an improvement in every area this time around.

Some milestones along the way this season…we make the first goal in the game at Keith to be our 250^th away goal in the Highland League and our 55^th league win on the road…thanks to Rob Clark, Stephen MacLean and Clive Wolstenholme who are busy compiling the club’s complete HFL record.

As the season ends, thanks to everyone who has supported the club during 2024/25, our fantastic volunteers, loyal supporters, sponsors and lottery players. Thanks too to the Press & Journal and Strathspey Herald for their coverage of the league and club.

Plans are already underway for next season and the club are pleased to have agreed new contracts with Cameron Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn and Caelan Mutch.

News from elsewhere…

Congratulations to Brora Rangers on their league title win and League Cup success. The Cattachs face a tough task in gaining promotion to the SPFL, however, having lost 4-1 to East Kilbride in the first leg of their play-off game, the return being held on Saturday 3^rd May.

Good luck to former manager Robert MacCormack after being appointed as the new boss of Alness United.

Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £10,900!

We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £10,900, now is the perfect time to enter.

You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.

Dates for the Diary

We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:

📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park

Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!

📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club

More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website over the summer.

Last season’s record, for comparison, was played 34, won 3, drew 1, lost 30, goals for 35, goals against 151, goal difference -116 and points 10 so an improvement in every area this time around.

Some milestones along the way this season…we make the first goal in the game at Keith to be our 250^th away goal in the Highland League and our 55^th league win on the road…thanks to Rob Clark, Stephen MacLean and Clive Wolstenholme who are busy compiling the club’s complete HFL record.

As the season ends, thanks to everyone who has supported the club during 2024/25, our fantastic volunteers, loyal supporters, sponsors and lottery players. Thanks too to the Press & Journal and Strathspey Herald for their coverage of the league and club.

Plans are already underway for next season and the club are pleased to have agreed new contracts with Cameron Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn and Caelan Mutch.

News from elsewhere…

Congratulations to Brora Rangers on their league title win and League Cup success. The Cattachs face a tough task in gaining promotion to the SPFL, however, having lost 4-1 to East Kilbride in the first leg of their play-off game, the return being held on Saturday 3^rd May.

Good luck to former manager Robert MacCormack after being appointed as the new boss of Alness United.

Dates for the Diary

We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:

📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park

Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!

📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club

More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website over the summer.