Promotion to Highland League not viable for Caithness's North Caledonian League clubs
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The Scottish football pyramid has been extended into the North Caledonian League, after a sixth tier below the Highland League was confirmed.
Subject to licensing criteria, it means that sides in the North Caley and Midlands Leagues, as well as the North Superleague, can earn a spot in the Highland League by winning a play-off.
In theory, it is an exciting development, but the two NCL clubs in Caithness have poured cold water over any thoughts that they might be in line to challenge.
“My own personal view is that it’s a good thing, but for us it wouldn’t be viable,” Thurso boss Stevie Reid said.
“We couldn’t do it, we don’t have the facilities. We would need floodlights, we would need a totally enclosed playing area, and that would mean an awful lot of money.
“Again, it’s my own personal view, but is Caithness big enough for two Highland League teams? I don’t think it is.
“Wick are the Highland League team up here, and I just don’t know if Caithness could sustain another one.”
Halkirk United’s Billy Manson cited similar issues over finances, saying: “It’s always there in the back of our minds, but it’s the cost of the whole thing.
“At this moment in time I don’t think it’s a go-er at all just because of the cost of the whole thing.
“You’re looking at something like £10,000, it’s so expensive for buses alone – it’s about £600 a bus, and you would need a bus for every game.
“That’s before you count all the rest, so for the time being we’re happy where we are.”
