PICTURES: Over £25,000 raised as Thurso 999 Services take on Rangers Legends in charity match
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More than £25,000 has been raised for good causes in Caithness as a result of Saturday's showpiece charity football match in Thurso.
Rangers Legends, featuring many famous names who used to play for the Ibrox club, travelled north to take on a Thurso 999 Services select at the Dammies.
A crowd estimated at between 500 and 600 saw the ex-professionals win 2-1 before a sell-out sportsman's dinner in the evening in the Royal British Legion.
Planning for the match started two years ago but it was delayed by Covid.
Brian Davidson, who put together the organising committee along with David Bain and Karl Drummond, said: “It was a fantastic day and there was a big crowd.
“There were a few meaty challenges put in, but it was played in good spirit.”
Ian Durrant was in charge of the ex-Rangers squad which included Gordon Durie, Gordon Smith, Charlie Miller, Bob Malcolm, Derek Ferguson, Grégory Vignal, John MacDonald, Alex Rae and Ian Ferguson.
The Thurso team was coached by former Wick Academy manager Alistair Budge.
After a goalless first half, Rangers Legends claimed victory thanks to two goals from Charlie Miller – a free kick and a disputed penalty. Sean Stewart scored for Thurso 999 Services.
“We held our own in the first half," Brian said. "When we started, I thought we were going to get steamrollered
“We were running about trying to chase the ball. They were making the ball work.
“They've still got it – you've got players who have played in the World Cup and in the Champions League.”
Main sponsors were Eric Gunn Driver Training, CS Drilling Services and Autoquip Motors, while Robbie Fraser was match-ball sponsor.
A barrel lid and stave made by Calum Macleod was presented to the Rangers Legends.
There was a barbecue as well as bottle and baking stalls, along with a licensed bar run by Caithness rugby club.
Coastguard volunteers manned the gates, while the mascots for the match came from Thurso Football Academy.
GMR Henderson provided the portable toilets and O'Brien Construction supplied fencing.
All the money will be going to charities within the community.
Brian said the sportsman's dinner had been enjoyed by all. He said of the ex-Rangers players: "They were all gentlemen."
