Inverness' founding father dies

Inverness Caledonian Thistle are mourning the passing of the man who led the merged club as they began their journey to the Scottish Premier League.

Life president John 'Jock' Macdonald has died at the age of 77.

He was the club's first chairman following the merger of Inverness Thistle and Caledonian FC in 1994.

Current chairman George Fraser said: "Jock's determination was vital to the merger of Highland League clubs to bring about this club."

The two Highland League clubs merged, despite some opposition, to form Caledonian Thistle in 1994 after being voted into the Scottish Football League.

"He was a legend in his time as Inverness Thistle chairman, transforming their fortunes with strong leadership," Fraser told his club website.

Caley Thistle would not have been formed were it not for his strength of character at the time of amalgamation Caley Thistle major shareholder David Sutherland

"He was a great character, the type that are few and far between nowadays.

"From being the backbone of his beloved Jags at Kingsmills Park to creating Scottish league football in Inverness, he commands great gratitude. Jock is irreplaceable."

The club, renamed Inverness Caledonian Thistle two years later at the request of the local council, were promoted to Scotland's top flight in 2004.

Caley Thistle major shareholder David Sutherland added: "Even though we knew he was very ill, Jock's passing is still a severe blow.

"Caley Thistle would not have been formed were it not for his strength of character at the time of amalgamation.

"His experience and advice were very important in this club's early years and, until only a few weeks ago, he was still a regular at matches.

"Jock was a great man for football in the north and his passing is the end of an era."