The Following is from Alan Cameron (The Highland Bullpen)
Victoria Park
On the 3rd May 1929 a public meeting was held to discuss Dingwall Victoria United entering a team into the Highland league. The locals decided to support their team applying, hence the next step would be to procure a ground for the club. The Highland League stipulated that all league clubs must have their own enclosed playing surfaces, which would then need to be approved by the league management committee. Dingwall Victoria United did not have such a facility.
The club identified a suitable field and consequently were able to enter into discussions around the use of the field and a draft lease was then prepared. The ground was situated between the Jubilee Park and County Buildings, given to the people of Dingwall as common ground for their pleasure to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. A little bit of effort would make it suitable for playing football on. A formal title recorded in 1922 that the Local Authority could not sell, convey or dispose of the original ground.
The ground would have to be enclosed. And for the benefit of the spectators they would have to use sleepers and corrugated iron to support viewing. A dressing pavilion would also be provided and it was proposed to erect a small grandstand to allow seated spectating. This work created an estimated cost of £200, quite a sum back in 1929. £30 was already available from existing funds hence a committee of influential locals was established to encourage more support from the local community of Dingwall and its surrounding areas. The committee was also made responsible for the playing surface of the new ground, effectively acting as the club’s first “groundsmen”. Of course this job initially required preparation of the existing land into a football pitch.
To create the “stadium” a building committee was put in place and as early as June it was reported that a specification had been put together for the outlay of the new enclosure. Estimates were sought from local contractors to undertake the work. In addition to the donations being sought from the community, a fancy dress cycle parade and fancy dress ball was held to raise funds for the cost of the building work.The committee also made the important decision of what the team would be called. Ross County Football Club was the name decided upon, a name to embrace the whole of the County and not solely Dingwall. It was also agreed to name the ground Victoria Park. This also recognised the town’s predecessors of Highland League football, Dingwall Victoria United. The Vics had of course taken their name after Queen Victoria, giving a second link with the Monarch.
As construction and ground preparation progressed it was hoped that Ross County would start the season debt free with the ground enclosed and stand erected. An ambitious goal for a newly formed club with so much to establish. Work was being scheduled to be complete in time for the visit of an Inverness Select for the clubs opening match at the new Victoria Park. The pitch had been “reasonably” levelled, closely cut and well rolled. A galvanised enclosure, which was seven feet high, had been quickly erected by an energetic local contractor and his staff . The new grandstand was well on its way to completion before the big kick off.
At the first Annual General Meeting of the club it was announced a groundsman would be appointed to maintain and improve on the playing surface that had been established. As funds grew in support of all the required activity the committee announced a fete would be held and it would actually be within the confines of the new ground! The total of Provost Murray’s fund now stood at £45 and 17 shillings.
Eventually everything was ready, including the necessary players accommodation, for the opening game on 15th August 1929, less than three months after the Dingwall Victoria FC had decided to apply for membership of the Highland League under the name of Ross County.
The club played a friendly challenge match versus an Inverness Select. Well over 1200 people attended the match that was kicked off when Provost Murray tapped the ball forward. The Drums and pipes of the Inverness British Legion added to the pomp and colour of this fantastic occasion. Cheers greeted the arrival of County captain Pirie and his team, dressed in “white pants and broad horizontal sky blue and scarlet jerseys”. The match report helpfully pointed out that Victoria Park was situated behind the County Buildings! It was felt the ground could accommodate four to five times the number of spectators that attended. County initially defended the “Prison” or South end.
The honour of scoring the first goal at Victoria Park went to Robertson of the Select side. The centre forward beat County goalkeeper Gray as he ran out from his goal. Morrison was the first County scorer on the ground equalising shortly afterwards. Robertson put Inverness back in front before Traill equalised again, and finished the scoring, before half time.
The pitch was a “bit rough” but practically level and it was felt that the future tramping by the players will help settle it down to an even more level surface! The Ross Shire Journal also commented that if sheep grazing can be encouraged as much as possible then the ground will become firmer and flatter sooner. I’m not sure that would be considered best practice in today’s world. The enclosure was spacious and the new grandstand had seating for 180 people, comfortably, along with the player’s dressing rooms.
The opening speech from Provost Murray was
“On behalf of the recently formed Ross County Football Club I have great pleasure in welcoming this gathering within their new completed enclosure to be named The Victoria Park, with this finely erected grandstand and dressing rooms complete. This commodious and well equipped ground is directly creditable to the enthusiasm and enterprise of the officials and members of the Old Vic of Dingwall, who this year embarked on a long cherished project to have a senior team for the County of Ross. The project has now been realised and we are met here today to witness the first games between senior teams. It is a happy augury that this game is to be played in this new enclosure where we hope there will be many thrilling contests in the weeks and years to come. I trust there will still be a generous response to the appeal for funds which, as the Provost of Dingwall, I have issued to the public. I gratefully acknowledge the response already made but as a considerable sum remains to be raised to meet the cost of the enclosure and other necessary expenses in forming a senior club I trust many cheques, big and little, will still be forthcoming. I have great pleasure in now formally declaring the Victoria Park and grandstand open, and I wish every possible success in goals and honours to the Ross County Football Club”.
The first County side was Gray, Johnstone, Munro, Grant, Pirie, MacLeman, Scott, Mackenzie, Morrison, Traill, Young.
The first league game on Victory Park was a 2-1 victory over Caledionan FC. Young was the first league goal scorer. The County team was unchanged from the challenge match.
By September of the first season, following a home league tie with Buckie Thistle, the local press reported that all four sides of the ground had now even been lined, no doubt providing valuable support to the match referee and both set of players. The Lining also played a role in establishing a boundary for the spectators.
The Ross County committee acknoledged meant that the ground and stand were erected at short notice and in fact just barely complied with SFA requirements on such matters. Consequently the club announced that new improvements would now have to be made within the next 14 days to take the ground beyond its current skeleton outline. The Main contractor for the job unfortunatrly had other commitments so had to leave the work but would return to ensure Victoria Park was in compliant condition.
The separate construction fund of £200 has almost all been paid out to the contractor and other suppliers. The club noted that separate finances would need to be held for the other parts of the club.
By the time of County`s first home Highland League defeat, 5-4 to Elgin City, which was played in blowing wind and heavy rain, it was commented that the surface was still a bit rough and also greasy. This caused the ball to "play many pranks" on the players requiring them to display a high level of commitment.
Aberdeen were one of the first "big" clubs to visit Victora Park in April 1931 and the committee had the novel idea of allowing supporters to reserve seats in the stand. No Division 1 side had appeared in Ross Shire previously. Unfortunately for owners of motorised cars they had to make their own parking arrangement as the committee was unable to afford such facilities. One suspects this did not affect too mant people. There was a crowd of around 3000 for a game kicking off at 7pm but for which the gates opened at 6pm to help avoid congestion.
County`s second season in the Highland League drew a total of £380 in gate receipt for playing year 1930-1931.
As noted earlier the pitch held quite an amount of water, a situation that would affect the club throughout the years due to the pitch location and height. Prior to the new season County decided to drain the feild in July 1931. The work was actually supervised by the club`s first captain, Tom Pirie. Pirie, an engineer to trade, had left County for his employment so it was a pleasure to see him return in such a capacity. It was hoped this extra drainage would prove of considerable benefit throughout the winter monthes. The players appreciated this effort and the hope was that the mud of last year would not return.
It was also understood that the new season would see the introduction of extensive additional seating, in fact the seating number has doubled, ensuring that in unfavorable weather those who do not wish to brave it will be afforded some protection! An increase in gate drawings to £425 plus stand drawing £44 perhaps vindicated the club`s efforts on the drainage and additional seating.
In July 1932 County gave annual passes to those who helped the club improve the state of the pitch. Another innovation from a forward thinking club, although it was noted the recipients were generally more than happy to pay their own money to get in to the ground.
Victoria Park was now also hosting an annual Sports Day in the name of the football club. The events included putting the stone and throuing the hammer, it is not what the hardworking groundsman though of such activities.
A new record crowd for Victoria Park was established in November 1933 as Keith visited for Scottish Qualifying Cup-tie. The game ended 1-1 with over 2000 witnessing the hard fought match. (almost 3000 had attended the friendly versus Aberdeen some two years previously, however such a game would not constitute formal records.) The locals had been hoping to see County qualify for the Scottish Cup for the first time. Gate receipts of in excess of £100 were raised and a further £14 from grandstand fans. Ross County had lined up Sherlaw, MacPherson, Anderson, Garrow, MacRae, Urquhart, MacKay, Skinner, MacKenzie, Ross, Bowie. County did win the replay 6-3 ensuring their presence in the National tournament for the first time.
The Ross Shire fans were thrilled to see that the club`s first Scottish Cup-tie would be a home one versus Burntisland Shipyard. The game did not quite produce another record attendance but it was satisfying to see presence of VAD nurses at the ground for the first time. Fortunately everyone was very safe and the nurses not required. The gates were open one hour before the tie such was the size of the expected crowd. The ground attendants did well and ensured no congestion getting in and the grandstand seating was also expeditiously done. Victory in this tie saw another home game against Galston. This game did produce a new record attendance of 3100, the total takings of the gate was £147. The figure a significant sum of money when you consider the total drawings in previous years.
The crowds that day were several rows deep so people struggled to see the action. It would prompt the Committee into considering the need for terracing. A pipe band entertained the fans and a half time collection by the VAD nurses raised £15 11s 4d for Ross Memorial Hospital, sited of course at the back of the pitch.
It the AGM in May 1937 it was noted that County were paying ground rent of £20 11s. Total gate receipts for the previous season had been £200 11s 0d with stand receipts of £32 10s 5d. the obsence of home Scottish Cup football significantly affecting the income of the club.
In February 1938 the Scottish Cup returned to Victoria Park as County enterained Albion Rovers. This tie saw County do all they could to make the ground as comfortable as possible for the paying patrons. The terracing had been extended by putting in additional railway sleepers. Extra admission gates were also be provided, admission prices were 1 shilling for adults, 6d for children plus an additional 3 shillings for those wishing stand tickets. The sleepers would allow all the spectators to actually see the game fellowing the criticism received at the Galston tie a couple of years back. The club also increased the accommodation within the stand.
Automobile Association officials were put in charge of a field adjoining Victoria Park, which was then used for car parking as the club and local community started to recognise the impact the number of cars going to the football ground was having. A new record crowd of over 3400 attended the match against Albion Rovers and the gate receips of £151 was also the most the club had ever realised. The crowd was popular behind the goals where the sleepers had been put in and encouraged a crowd of several rows deep, all of whom could see the game! Perhaps the start of the popularity of the Jail End?
Technology was moving on apace, and at the AGM in May 1938 the club promised the introduction of a motor mower to improve the grass cutting. A bonus for the players and fans but no of considerable more benefit to the hard working grounds team. It was acknowledged also that the club had installed baths during the season. It was also proposed that the club look into the purchase of a ground as opposed to the current rental arrangement.
At the following AGM in May 1939 it was noted that improvements to the ground were of sufficient significance that the accounts specifically stated them to have cost £13 4s 3d. The annual charity match for Ross Memorial Hospital took place in May however football activity was being wound down as the world descended towards a second major conflict.
Victoria Park was Commandeered and used by Dingwall Fire Brigade during the war years.
After the end of World War 2 football resumed with renewed passion and in 1946/47 gate and stand receipts of £1818 13s 9d were collected at Victoria Park. After half a dozen terrible years the public took football as an enjoyable entertainment on their Saturday afternoons.
In August 1947 the local Highland Games took place at Victoria Park as the ground was recognised as a major facility in the area. The usage for the Dingwall games would continue for several years.
By February 1948 it was clear that the combination of weather and lack of attention paid to the pitch of the previous ten years had deteriorated it`s condition. The pitch was all mud with no blades of grass. The Ross Shire Journal commented rather blandly "something must be done".
At the 1948 AGM it was agreed that the pitch and ground extension would press ahead despite the football club`s debts. The large crowds had helped the club but society was still coming to terms with austerity that naturally follows such a period, crowds having halved in season 1947/48. In early August 1948 a trial match was played on the pitch which was described as "anything but first class condition". The grass was to long and passing on such a surface was futile. It was not clear what had happened to the motorised mower!
The June 1949 AGM recorded an encouraging increase in gate receipts to £1362 12s 9d. An increase of some £300 from last year. The committee stated the priority for the season ahead was first to improve drainage from pitch by having an electric pump installed and secondly to carry out the scheme for enclosing the additional acreage which the club have now feued.
A Qualifying Cup semi final, unfortunately lost 1-3 to Caledonian FC, in October 1949 saw a new record crowd of 4100. Gate receipts were £190 17s 6d. Despite the size of the attendance it was a good humoured crowd, the new banking introduced by the County management was greatly appreciated as was the additional grandstand provided by the police turrets! A lucky few managed to scale the heighs of the turrets, not so lucky were the young enthusiasts "grounded" from the stand roof by the police. The police did an ideal job at the game using car parking in Castle Street, which ensured everyone was dispatched expeditiously.
Ground conditions continued to affect County and the park and with the weather particulary bad just before the start of the 1950s, what was described as a "ploughing" match versus Rothes was abandoned after only 40 minutes of play.
The groundsmen were in no way to blame for the playing surface condition and the following year. On the Thursday evening before a game against Caledonian FC, no one thought the game would be played on the Saturday. However Willie Ross and Ken MacKay started on the work of sanding and clearing ice from the pitch. Four committee members helped on the Saturday and the crowd were fortunate to witness a 2-2 draw with Caledonian FC.
At the 1950 AGM gate Receipts were £1814 and stand receipts, now subject to entertainment tax, raised £340.
In April 1951 County representatives and Dingwall Fire Brigade representatives inspected Victoria Park as both clubs were collaborating on extending the park. Provost MacRae President of the Fire Brigade said that their intentions were to make a cinder running track round the playing area and also make further improvements to the grandstand. The AGM noted that bad weather had badly affected gate receipts and County`s supporters at the Fire Brigade donated £130 as part of their plans to make Victoria Park one of the leading sports stadiums in the North of Scotland.
In November 1951 six inches of rain fell on the ground. Groundsmen MacKay snd Ross were helped by John Lawson and Benny Sutherland plus volunteers from the Fire Brigade to clear the pitch. They worked hard but when the tank at the side of ground could hold no more water the proposed game versus Nairn County was called off at 1.45pm. The weather would not have been considered an excuse from one fan as a letter from "Old Vic" was published in the Ross Shire Journal complaining about vulgar language from both male and female at games which was disrespectful to Dingwall. Old Vic wanted fans to provide encouragement but no use of vulgar language. 1952 saw newly established Supporters Club create tea bars within the ground that proved very popular with spectators, particularly on a cold day! It also helped raise more revenue for the club.
It was noted that the water had started draining off well from the ground, thanks due to the groundsmen and their helpers Adam Brown and George Barnetson. County felt the need to increase the admission price to 1/3d. Whether this increase backfired or not known but by the June 1953 AGM the committee noted that gate drawings were down from £1521 to £1253.
In November 1953, to coincide with new club colours of navy blue strip with white collars and white shorts, and significantly a Stags head incorporated into jersey, a new flag flew over the county grandstand. This flag incorporated the colours and the Stags Head.
A small rebellion took place in 1954 as the Supporters club disbanded to express their disappointment with County`s proposed merger with Inverness Nelson. The main impact here would to the tea bars the supporters club has established. The club however ensured the supporters club would be resuscitated and of course the merger never actually took place. In April 54 the gate receipts for the season were stated as £1134, another drop in the club`s income.
For season 1954/55 admission charges were increased again, this time to 1/6d. To facilitate the collection of payment the new entrance turnstile, purchased by the Dingwall Fire Brigade, was handed over before the start of the new season. It Cost £1000 and was presented by the Fire Brigade President Provost Alex MacRae. S Fairholm, Vice President of County accepted the gift during the interval of a 3-1 win over Caledonian FC in the League Cup (Telford scored a hat trick). It is not clear if the turnstile was used for this game or the next game, a 1-1 draw with Clachnacuddin. By September of the same season Willie Ross resighed his position as groundsman, much to the regret of the County management. One suspects it was also a difficult time to recruit a new groundsman with winter approaching.
The May AGM had sighificant discussion around the fencing, grandstand and dressing room accommodation. It was agreed that the management committee would meet with the three Property Trustees Provost Alex MacRae, Alex W MacKay, Rector and Mr. Finlay, Chief Constable, to lanch a public appeal for funds to carry out the necessary improvements.
The following July the club was in the process of construction of a combined ticket office, committee room and tearoom. The Ticket office will be used by boys and OAPs, who are to gain entrance to Victoria Park at a reduced charge of 9d.
In May 1957 Falkirk visited Dingwall to play County and as holders paraded the Scottish Cup around Victoria Park. County lost the tie by 2-1.
Financial woes continued and at the May AGM gate recetpts had fallen below the four figure level to just £756 with stand receipts down £12 to £120. The club decided to embark on the relatively ambitious scheme to raise share capital. With sufficient raised to survive the club then needed to raise a further £400 to start a building fund for provision of a new grandstand and improvement to the spectating and playing conditions at the ground.
In January 1959, poor conditions on the playing surface, forced County to play a Highland League tie on an unenclosed Jubilee Park. They beat Lossiemouth 3-0, Gray, Simpson and Browening scored on the untested venue.
County suffered a setback in the summer of 1960 as copper and lead fittings were "removed" from Victoria Park during a weekend. The materials were being used in the installation of the plumbing in the new dressing rooms. John McDonald and several volunteers had been carrying out the improvements to the grandstand and changing areas. The club had raised the money via an appeal for funds at the start of the year and by May had raised £175 for the dressing rooms. Work had started but they needed more volunteers to help McDonald.
January 1960 saw the first AGM of the new limited company. Gate and stand receipts were a combined £1026. £121 had been raised from the sale of refreshments within the ground.
With financial years changing - the AGM at the end of 1961 showed 13081 fans had paid to watch County during eighteen matches producing gate drawings of £1216.
Following a disturbance early in 1963 County were told to display warning notices at Victoria Park reminding fans about their behaviour. County were unhappy at the blame seemingly been solely put on them, the SFA agreed with their grievance and Clachnacuddin were also similarly reprimanded.
In Septenber 1963 a quite astonishing League Cup semi final took place. Nairn County were the visitors, car parking was at a premium in Dingwall, as a crowd of 2400, forced a delay in kick off from 6.30 to 6.40pm! Nairn won the tie 7-6!
One of the most significant game in County`s history was the visit of Rangers in the 1966 Scottish Cup. The club, inundated with media requests, built a new press stand, which stood for almost 30 years at the entrance to the ground.
In 1967 a new flag was flying over Victoria Park, this of course being our first ever League Championship Flag.
Victoria Park has been used to host a number of non Ross County games through the years and various minor cup competitions have played their finals of the stadium. The 1975 Chic Allan Cup Final saw Golspie Sutherland beat Invergordon 3-1 in front of 205 spectators.
December 1976 saw Finlay Morrison take over as groundsman from George Barnetson. Morrison maintained the pitch to his predecessor`s high standards and it was noted to be in first class condition for a subsequent visit of Elgin City.
Barnetson was back as groundsman a couple of years later and with an army of volunteers working through the day to ensure a North of Scotland Cup tie versus Fort William could take place despite the condition of the pitch. Their goal was successfully achieved although game the was played as an evening match despite original schedule of 3pm.
The Highland Amateur Cup final has been played at Victoria Park on several occasions and in 1978 Blackmuir beat Thurso Pentland 2-0 in front of a 500 crowd.
January 1979 saw County announce plans to build a new cantilever stand at the cost of £60000. They expected work to start in April of the same year but by June Morris Newton had resigned his position as chairman over differences of opinion on how to develop the ground.
July 1982 saw the Scottish Cup make it`s return to Victoria Park, this time being paraded by Alex Ferguson`s Aberdeen side. During 1982 gate receips increased from £2237 to £2687. At the 1982 AGM Morris Newton was re elected to being a director of the club having previously resinged over the postponement of the grandstand development scheme. Gate receipts two years later were growing and had amassed £4019. The media commented that Victoria Park pitch had never looked better. Against such a backdrop the greatest ever player to feature at Victoria Park. George Best, made an appearance ina low key charity match. Celtic had also taken their youth players north to take advantage of the facilities for their pre season. Gate receipts for 1984 reached a new high of £5927.
Highland Games took place on Victoria Park in 1984 through to 1986 although this was no longer a normal venue for such an event. Gate receipts tumbeled in 1985 to £3626.
In 1990 County`s last match at Victoria Park was a 3-0 defeat to Elgin City. It was also to be the last time fans would sit in the old wooden grandstand. A controlled burning of the grandstand was watched by a sizeable crowd. Within seconds it was a ball of flames and within minutes this little piece of history had disintergrated into an incendiary roar. Fifty firemen, club officials and a few supporters had gathered on the pitch to watch. They had great memories but the rickity old stand had no place for a go forward club and was also considered inadequate for modern game. Perhaps it`s last match was one that sent the flames into the air!
A new £250000 Grandstand was to be built through funding from the Football Trust, Ross County Social Club and Ross and Cromarty District Council. It would be a 300-seated grandstand. The plan was to try amd complete for the new season. It`s first game a league tie versus Peterhead.
Aberdeen visited Dingwall to Officially open the new County grandstand and a crowd of 4320 turned out to witness the occasion. However the Dons turned up to play second fiddle to a great display from their hosts. County won the tie 2-1 with goals from Ferries and Somerville. Ian Cameron scored in between those goals. County`s winning goal came in 85 minutes. Ross County: Ure, Campbell, A.Allan (R.Allan) Williamson (Somerville) Bellshaw, Lemmon, Ferries, Robertson, Grant (Duff) Connolly, Wilson. Aberdeen: Watt, Mckimmie (Harvie) D.Robertson (I.Robertson) Grant (Wright) Thomson Watson C.Robertson, Bett (Roddie) Jess, Connor (Cameron) Gillhaus.
A decision by the Scottish Football League to admit two new clubs to their set up came during a fantastic Scottish Cup run by County and followed on two consecutive league championship triumphs. Facilities at Victoria Park were considered second to none in the Highland League encouraging County to be one of the applicants for the two league places. Architects and quantity surveyors were put to work preparing a stepped plan for ground improvements with the eventual aim of creating an all seated 6000 ground fit for Scottish League football.
The existing ground had a capacity of 8000 with the recently built grandstand of 320 seats. Apart from the grandstand County also a covered enclosure in the Jail End but all other areas of the ground were simply sloping grass embankments. They had proved sufficient for Highland League purposes but would neither Support County`s ambition nor Scottish League application.
Following successful election to the Third division Phase 1 of Victoria Park`s rebuilding included a new entrance gate for visiting fans, constructing new terracing and complete replacement of floodlights to provide lighting of the highest standards.
Initial estimate were of an expenditure of £270000 for Phase 1. Three further Phases, taking the club to 1999, were established to obtain an all seater stadium should that be deemed necessary by either the club or league authorities. Constructions was also scheduled to include construction of a new "67" lounge honouring County`s first league championship victory.
With Victoria Park just a few minutes walk from Dingwall town centre and railway station, the stadium could be easily reached by road. Free parking for 500 cars within ten minutes of the ground was available for travelling spectators.
Prior to SFA football taking place the ground had to be moved 8 yards as patrons in the "main" stand would be unable to see the touchline when other ground improvements are carried out. The ground move also creates for the improved floodlighting system the club were putting in. County of course would now qualify for an automatic Football Trust grant as a SFA team. Hopefully the movement of the pitch will support an improved playing surface and give the players what they deserve, not the rutted bare field they had towards the end of their Highland League days.
County`s last Victoria Park game in the Highland League saw them entertain Huntly.
A share flotation was designed to raise a six-figure sum to help finance improvement and allow County fans to play a part in the next stage of both the club and the stadium.
Work started quickly on the Jail End that involved alterations to existing base. This would allow easy preparation for potential future installations of seating at a later date. The capacity of the improved Jail End increased to 1500, with a 1200 capacity at the Jubilee End.
New turnstiles at the Caravan Park End were also put in to support the new terracing for away fans. The new floodlights were purchased in August. The final point being considered at this stage, but subject to planning permission, was a new all weather pitch at the back of Jubilee End. Of course this would lead to more significant development.
The next step at end of County`s first SFL season would be to develop the bank area opposite the Main stand. This would allow County to increase the ground capacity to 8000.
Tenders for construction were received from four major contractors but not Macrae Builders as Gordon Macrae, a director of the club, did not want doubt in the public mind as to the awarding of the contract. Lack of parking was an issue but agreement with British rail to use area of land between station and MacLean Electrical. In July 1994 the Council underlined their support for County with agreement to an Astroturf pitch at the Jubilee Park. There was an estimated cost £360000, and permission was only granted subject to the club providing public access to the before for improvements to changing rooms where minor problems had arisen over access issues. This was an important development for County as the club needed to use Jubilee Park as the Area within Victora Park was just too small.
As the new season approached the South enclosure saw rapid improvement in a short space of time with the concrete steps and crush barriers being erected.
Queen`s Park were the first SFL visitors to Victoria Park as County knocked them out of the Scottish League Cup, making their debut in that particular competition. Brian Grant scored County`s first SFL goal at Victoria Park, Jamie MacPherson notched the second before the Spiders came back to equalise. However Grant was back on the mark in injury time to seal victory and a guaranteed £8250 cheque from the sponsors fund as County well and truly landed in the upper echelons of Scottish Football.
In Autumn 1994 Ross and Cromarty DC rubber-stamped a grant of £23000 towards upgrading Victoria Park facilities. As the Council had not budgeted for this the council had to identify a source for money at their next six monthly budget review. The report requesting support from the council had pointed out the football club had a £69000 shortfall for all improvements that had been plannrd and required for league football. The Council made the approval by requiring a three way split of the shortfall involving Ross County FC and Ross and Cromarty Enterprice (RACE).
With a successful 1994/95 season drawing to a close the club outlined plans, in a brochure, for a new 1200 seat grandstand opposite the main stand. The project would get grant aid and a loan from the Football Trust. To fund the balance supporters were offered the chance to purchase a range of seats in the East Stand. The East Stand would have a private hospitality suite for corporate and match day sponsorship. Immediately adjacent there would be a spacious lounge offering pre and post match refreshments, on favorable terms, for registered seat holders. At the rear of the East Stand County were to build changing and toilet facilites for the all weather pitch on the Jubilee Park which it would back onto.
County also had plans to upgrade the toilets in the ground, and to have a new front entrance, incorporating turnstiles, control room, press office and club shop.
The special seat on offer to the supporters were firstly a 50-year ownership of a seat. There would be 104 seats in the centre section of the upper tier of the stand, with the right to assign the seat, at a cost of £1000 per seat. Otherwise ownership of other seats in the East Stand were available for a period of 25 years at a cost off £500, 250 such seats were available. Benefits of the seats were a guaranteed right to buy a ticket for all Rocc County matches, (although 50 year holders did not need to buy league tickets) all seat holders were also to be given priority to hospitalty facilities within the new stand.
The next big change for the ground came in the summer of 1995 when Dougie Macdonald was appointed the new groundsman at Victoria Park. The drainage system in the park was his main priority (as it had been for most of his predecessors). Previously Dougie had been on the ground staff at Murrayfield, home of Scottish Rugby. He was however a native of Ross and Cromarty.
County got a Boost with a £67000 award from the National Lottery to be used towards the provision of changing facilities in the new East Stand. Tom Wharton, a famous "old time" referee handed over a cheque to County prior to the match with Aberdeen that saw the stand formally opened. The stand had catering facilities for 100 on match days and new executive facilities were planned for 220 people.
Aberdeen won the game 6-0 with the visitors having a welcome return to their team in the shape of Brian Irvine. Brian, who would of course return to Dingwall as a County Player, had announced a diagnosis of MS in July so the 1000 crowd were delighted to see him back in the team. Irvine came on a substitute at the start of the second half and completed the scoring for the Dons. The other goals were scored by Dodds, Shearer (2) and Thomson (2).
An attendance of 4288 established a new record crowd in SFL Division 3 when local rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle visited. The new East Stand was packed to capacity, the enclosure was full with just a little bit of capacity in the West Stand. County won the game 2-0.
Some 50 years after the failed merger with Inverness Nelson, another Inverness club, Clachnacuddin were the subject of simalar speculation. Clachnacuddin had significant financial difficulties and had contracted to sell Grant Street Park to a national bingo chain hence required a new ground to play on. Agreement on regular funding injections From County to Clachnacuddin to support them playing at Victoria Park, but remain a separate entity, not a feeder club, appeared to be the best way forward, The Inverness Caledonian Thistle ground was not considered practical due to regulations forbidding any change to their status as they embarked on a public share issue. The story took a few twists and turns as Inverness Caledonian Thistle did enter the debate as taking Clachnacuddin on as a potential feeder club however there then came a suggestion that Clachnacuddin had agreed to actuall merge with County. The sage finally ended with no involvement from County and for a second time an Inverness team had decided not play one Scottish Cup tie in Dingwall! Inverness Caledonian Thistle would ultimately one Scottish Cup tie in Dingwall however, when as an SPL club they played their home games in Aberdeen (their home stadium not meeting SPL requirements), but chose to play a Cup tie at the more accessible location of Victoria Park.
In early 1997 County lost 3-0 to a Inverness Caledonian Thistle team pushing for promotion in front of another new Division 3 record of 5017. It was a 10th straight win for Inverness Caledonian Thistle who were ten points clear at the top of the league.
In the summer of 1997 a proposed car park for Ross County spectators in Dingwall was subject to initial planning consultation. The authorities were trying to decide whether a 150 car park would be better situated at the railway bridge end of Jubilee Park or towards the caravan park. Existing arrangements were far from satisfactory for parking and it was felt either proposal would be much better than people parking in private driveways would. The Council also felt a lack of parking was deterring from shopping on match days in Dingwall.
The club were now ready for their development of the new executive boxes within the East Stand and were also considering a gym within the stand. In August they got the green light for the car park for 142 cars and 3 coaches. There were some objections from locals, who wanted it moved a few yards towards the existing car park.
County took part in a friendly against Forfar Athletic to celebrate the official opening of the new changing room facilities and new Victoria Suite within the East Stand. Peter Lee, Chief Executive of the Football Trust, flew up from London for the opening tie. County lost 3-0. The total cost of the project was £669756 funded contributions from HRC, RACE, Football Trust and Scottish Sports Council Lottery Sports Fund. Two Ally Gray goals and a Jamie Loney strike put a slight dampener on local celebrations. Peter Lee was "delighted the trust has been able to make a valuable contribution towards providing excellant training facilities for development of players and benefit of the local community". He officially handed over a cheque of £200000. Doug Smith, President of SFL, was also present.
Victoria Park was continually enhancing it`s reputation and in April 1998 it was chosen as a venue for the UEFA under 16 Championships. The first game in Dingwall was a 1-1 draw Israel and Russia. There was a great deal of security at Victoria Park for the tie given the participation of the Israeli team. There were many Israeli fans in the ground, including many local school children, encouraged by the Israeli squad to support them. Len McLaughlan, Maryburgh had a tough job as announcer in that particular tie!
Agreement was reached between County, the Highland Council and users of the Jubilee Park facilities that the management of Jubilee Park playing field. Astroturf and changing rooms transfer to a user management committee under the auspices of Ross and Cromarty Sports Council. The object of the group is to encourage the promotion and practice of the sport in the Jubilee Park. The tripartite arrangement was designed to avoid one party (to most County!) gaining excessive use of the facility.
Victoria Park itself was wholly owned by a subsidiary company by the name of Ross County FC (1998). They owned the property and grounds, amounting to 4.88 acres. There was a prohibition in the title deeds of using part of the property for anything other than grandstand, changing facilities, hospitality suite with additional terracing and other ancillary uses. This information was all made public as County embarked on another share issue. The ground were valued at share offer time of £1.96m on a "depreciated replacement cost basis".
It has happened a handful of times in County`s, but they were criticised by local churches for Robbie Williamson`s benefit game being played at Victoria Park on the Sabbath day. The club pointed out they did not organise such matches, it came under the auspice of the arranging committee. This committee being subject to the availability of the chosen opposition, on this occasion being Gordon Strachan`s Coventry City. County have also played a couple of Scottish Cup-ties in Dingwall on a Sunday, firstly following some postponements and secondly to accommodate Sky TV for the arrival of Rangers in a Scottish Cup match.
Schoolboy international football has been a fairly regular outing at Victoria Park and it is interesting looking at the first four names on the team sheet in a Scottish Under 15 versus Northern Ireland Under 15 tie at Dingwall in Victory Shield. Scotland won 4-1, already being holders of the tournament. It was a cold autumn evening, the Scottish line up was Smith, McCunnie, Rankin, Dowie, Kennedy (MacLeod) Robb, Malloy, Jack, Prunty, Fotheringham (Leven) Fletcher (Cumming) Darren Fletcher never did quite made the heights of playing for County but Smith, McCunnie, Rankin and Dowie all did!
Having won Division 3 under the management of Neale Cooper County announced spending of £140000 on the stadium before making their debut in Division 2. The money would be spent on stadium improvement including new terracing for fans to be built in corner of ground between West Stand and Jail End. Also an area of land between the stadium and the north train line was to be made parking to improve access to the ever-growing stadium.
Soon afterwards plans for a £1.8m investment in building a new 2000 seater West stand were announced. This would require demolition of existing smaller West Stand, but the Club also temporarily abandoned the planned development of terracing. The Stand project was only a proposal initially and permission would still be required if building were to commence in the anticipated six-month timetable.
A Christmas boost in 1999 saw a £65000 grant awarded from Sport Scotland and Football Trust towards the development of the West Stand. Work was commencing during the summer and pre season play started before it's completion. A 2-1 friendly win over Celtic gave County fans the chance to view the work on the new West Stand before the offical opening on August 18th 2000. The actual capacity of the stand is 1600 however this could easily be extended to 2000. The East Stand could be extended from 1400 to 2700, whilst all other parts of the ground remain standing terracing. Is County the only club with a capacity bigger than their hometown population?
As the £5m Highland Football Acedemy concept progressed it became clear that County were the favourites to act as the host location. The idea was a link up with the University of Highland and Islands, desighed to serve local clubs. Inverness were also lobbying to gain host status, however County's existing facilities, given present government cash shortages was expected to work in their favour. Using the facilities already available in Dingwall could save up to 3.5m. Inverness Caledonian Thistle, would however have won the geographic and population argument. After some media heated debate Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle joined together to support the bid for the £3m. Highland Football Academy, allowing the green light (and a Dingwall home) in 2002. In the Autumn the Academy was launched and spread over three sites. The Dingwall campus at Jubilee Park includes Comprehensive training and support facilities, indoor football training area, full sized natural grass pitches, synthetic grass pitch with floodlighting and specialist goalkeeping training facilities.
Poor weather and ground level conditions continue to cause County groundsman some headaches. In the winter County tried using a design inspired by the London Dome in a bid to save money in the new year. A free trial was given to the club to try and prevent frost damage using tent like constructions in dome shapes. Another plan to try and prevent vital corporate sponsorship and gate cash being lost.
The Stadium and pitch was still considered good enough to host a Scotland v. England u16 game at Victoria Park On November 30th in a Victory Shield Game.
Improvements that were needed to the pitch over the summer of 2002 saw money put up by fans that regularly support hospitality at the club. The supporters pooled their resources to create a low cost means of transforming the pitch. They supplied manpower, materials, equipment and transportation for the project. In return they received hospitality packages but did not charge a penny. A specialist company were contracted at additional cost of £15000 for some particular machinery and manpower. The plan was to replace the existing 7m wide lateral drains with 3.5m drains and provide sand slitting. In addition those areas that have suffered subsidence were raised. County again stressed that groundsman David Fraser was faultless in the pitch situation given that the pitch lies beneath the water table level. In fact supporters continue to be amazed the number of times County and their grounds team have managed to get the pitch playable. The main contractor was Soutar Sports Stirling. Work was completed during the pre season, as the club announced it had lost £25000 last year through postponements. The cost of the work was £40000, of which almost £12000 was raised from debenture holders and hospitality purchasers. The heavy work included removal of almost 40000 tons of clay based soil! The Soutar Sport team worked hard from 7am to 8pm seven days a week.
Ross County fell foul of the planning authorities by erecting a massive sign illegally outside the ground. The 15m by 2m sign bore the logo "Welcome to Ross County, more than a football club", which dominated the view eastwards from the railway bridge approaching the ground. County had initially set it up there when officals from Scottish Executive visited to discuss the possibility of the soccer academy being based in Dingwall. Initially it was meant to be temporary but the club wanted to keep it there permanenty. Retrospective permission was however denied.
In the New Year of 2003 County confirm their plans if they are to reach the SPL when they would have required a 10000-seater stadium. The plans were mostly kept under wraps but they did confirm it involved creating business premises for rent with one major local organisation already committed to support project. Cost of providing the 10000 seat is estimated at £1.4m. Outline Planning permission was loged with Highland Council pre Christmas. If permission is granted the work would be allowed to progress in phases which will support the clubs finanical capabilities. Of course the work to date at Victoria Park means that new progress will be able to fit into ground seamlessly.
Victoria Park was still being selected to host minor international games and this time hosted the opening game of four nations semi professional tournament against Wales. Scotland lost 1-0. A mixture of Highland League and South of Scotland League players represented Scotland. The next matches were against England and the Republic of Ireland, both in Dingwall. 354 saw them beat the Irish 2-1 and avoid collecting the wooded spoon. 1802 saw England beat the Scottish team 3-0.
Victoria Park Was renamed Global Energy Stadium July 2012
More To Come Soon