Caledonian Stadium

The Caledonian Stadium stands beside the Moray Firth in Inverness, a modern football ground built in the mid-1990s to replace the old Telford Street Park. It sits close to the Kessock Bridge and the A9 road in the Longman district, on land once considered for other uses. The stadium opened in November 1996 after delays caused by legal and financial hurdles, including concerns about floodlight glare on the firth. It began with a capacity of 5,000 and cost £5.2 million, funded by selling the merged clubs’ old grounds and public grants. Highland Council provided £900,000 of public money to cover a shortfall, securing the club’s place in the Scottish Football League.

The stadium quickly became a venue for national and international matches. In 1997 it hosted Scotland’s under-16 team, and in 1998 it staged matches of the UEFA European Under-16 Championship. The ground also hosted a Scotland women’s team game in 1999 and later the 2019 Scottish Challenge Cup Final. Its highest football crowd reached 7,753 in January 2008 for a match against Rangers. Beyond football, the stadium has welcomed major concerts, including Elton John in 2007 and Rod Stewart in 2010, drawing audiences of up to 19,400.

Visitors find a compact, all-seater bowl with two new stands added in 2004 to meet Premier League seating rules. A smaller West Stand, built in 2007, serves as a singing section with space for around 400 fans. The pitch lies close to the water’s edge, offering views across the Moray Firth during matches. The ground has hosted rugby and concerts, and even drive-in cinema screenings during the pandemic. Its location near the Kessock Bridge makes it easy to reach from Inverness city centre.