A new Christmas Park and Ride service will run throughout December to help people reach the heart of Inverness while raising money for two charities that support families across the Highlands.
The free service is the result of a partnership between The Highland Council, Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and the Inverness Common Good Fund.
It will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 28 December, giving people an easy way to reach the city centre during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
Visitors can leave their cars at the Sarens PSG Stadium on the edge of Inverness and board a free shuttle bus to Farraline Park Bus Station, a short walk from Academy Street.
Buses will run every 10 minutes from 9am to 6.30pm and donations are encouraged in support of Highland Hospice and MFR Cash for Kids.
The service is being operated by D and E Coaches with support from the Transport Scotland Behaviour Change Fund which aims to encourage people to use public transport and reduce reliance on private cars.
The weekend service is also expected to ease congestion around the city centre during the festive rush.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC is offering a warm welcome to everyone using the Park and Ride with food, facilities and festive touches available at the stadium throughout the weekend.
Visitors can enjoy dishes from the Caley Jags Kitchen and a range of Highland street food traders while they wait for their bus.
The ICTFC Club Shop will open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday giving supporters a chance to pick up Christmas gifts and club merchandise.
The north stand concourse will remain open across the weekend providing shelter and toilet facilities for passengers.
The club is also carrying out upgrades to the stadium car park with new lighting and improved parking bays to support the scheme.
Andrew Benjamin, ICTFC Commercial Director, said:
“Inverness Caledonian Thistle is more than just a football club, and we’re proud to play our part in supporting the local community and two fantastic charities.
“The Sarens PSG Stadium is perfectly placed for people to park up, grab some great street food from Highland traders and head into town to support local businesses.
“We’re also gearing up for our match against Hamilton Academical on 13 December, so it’s a great chance for fans to make a day of it, finish their Christmas shopping, hop back on the free bus, and enjoy our matchday hospitality, which includes a two course meal and a complimentary drink for £70 per person.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone over the festive season and giving something back to the community that continues to support us.”
Councillor Ian Brown, Inverness City Leader, said:
“Inverness is magical at Christmas, and it’s even better when you can leave the car behind and enjoy a relaxing day out.
“We’re pleased to work with the Common Good Fund and Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC to provide clean, convenient and free transport into the city centre.
“This Park and Ride service not only reduces congestion and emissions, helping protect our environment, but also supports local retailers and the two charities benefiting from this year’s scheme.”
