Scotland’s return to the World Cup is set to be celebrated in one of the country’s most remote communities after Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula was given its own dedicated fan zone.
The Highland village, which is only accessible by boat or an 18 hour walk over the surrounding mountains, will come together to watch Scotland’s opening match against Haiti on a giant screen installed in the village hall.
The project has been supported by Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, which transported a 100 inch screen and production equipment to the remote peninsula.
For Inverie, the occasion carries echoes of one of the most famous stories in Scottish football folklore.
Ahead of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, fifteen villagers dug a four mile trench to lay a cable and bring a television signal to the community so they could watch Scotland’s matches.
Almost half a century later, the village is once again preparing for a World Cup gathering.
With a population of around 100 people, Inverie is expected to turn out in force as Scotland returns to football’s biggest stage for the first time in almost three decades.
Among those attending will be John Murdo Morrison, who was one of the original villagers involved in the remarkable 1978 effort.
Now aged 66, he remembers the determination and excitement that swept through the community nearly 50 years ago.
John Murdo Morrison said:
“What we did in 1978 was special and the whole village is excited to be watching Scotland at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
“We’re delighted to have Specsavers and their team here to set up the fan zone and we’re glad our digging days are behind us.
“It was an incredible and challenging experience but all worth it to watch Scotland at the World Cup in Argentina.
“Hopefully Steve Clarke and the team can do us proud in America.”
The fan zone will feature live music along with complimentary food and drink as residents gather for what is expected to be one of the biggest events of the year in the village.
The story caught the attention of Specsavers after learning about Inverie’s efforts to follow Scotland at the 1978 World Cup.
Laura Baird, Scottish Divisional Chair at Specsavers, said:
“It was inspiring to hear the story of John and the 15 villagers of Inverie from the 1978 World Cup.
“The lengths Scottish people are willing to go to watch our national team never ceases to amaze me and I just hope we’ve helped made things a little easier this time with our fan zone!”
As Scotland prepares to take on Haiti, few places in the country will be watching with more pride than Inverie, where a World Cup tradition that began with shovels and determination nearly 50 years ago is set to continue once again.
