Today is the day we finish the Debut Highland March. With 152 miles done, there were just 8 short miles to complete on this, the last day.
Gringo was required to mist part of the day as UA needed assistance in finding a praking place near Brockville Stadium.
Everyone set out early, and the thought that this week was almost over started to settle in. UA picked up the Amigos Gringo, Cananry and ITN, and set on his way to collect the other 3. The landlady there was non-too-impressed with the behaviour of the boys, but at least the funny side was seen shortly afterwards.. Heavy nights in Stirling do have their down sides.
Kilts were again requiored for this day, and Gringo would certainly be capable of winning any knobbly knees contest.
It was main roads again all the way to Falkirk, and MFR were soon in contact to do a live broadcast for the morning shows. ITN was once again the interviewee, and again gave a fantastic recollection of the week so far. The hype of Highland March was still at a high, and there were more people feeling they had the ‘orn. (Well, it’s not every day you see ICT fans walking round Stirling – especially in kilts).
We made it all the way there in one big pack, and UA and Gringo had soon joined us before the end. UA was thrilled to be part of this fantastic occasion, and deserved to be called a Highland Marcher. ITN’s family were awaiting us in Falkirk, as were many more ICT fans. The Coia family were also in attendence, and Guzz had also travelled down from Ross-shire to see the final showdown.
All the talk was of the match, and the fact the Falkirk had not lost at home all season. It was to be their final game at Brockville after 100 years there, so the meaning of the occasion became greater by the minute.
All the troops had made it to Falkirk, with ITN and Junior the only people to make it non-stop end to end. Ironically, these two were the Oldest (ITN) and Youngest (Junior) to partake the challenge of the first ever Highland March.
Free food was on the menu from the more than hospitable bar staff, with burgers and chips on the menu. Knowing we tried to eat healthy, energy increasing meals all week, we deserved a change.
ITN was due to have a television interview at the stadium at 2pm. With Junior in tow, they seperated away from the pack to unofficially complete the Highland March.
Radio and TV reporters were on hand to interview, and a meeting with a Falkirk Director ensured a parade round the park before Kick Off.
At 2:30pm we were off on the walk again to officially complete what had become a fantastic week of cheers and tears, highs and lows, ups and downs. We had all got the ‘orn… and not suprisingly either.
As we gathered outside the ground, we could not help but soak up the atmosphere. We met again at Falkirks reception area, and were given instructions for the walk down the Tunnel. Not only that, but we could rattle our buckets as we headed round, in order to gain more funds for the MFR Charity Trust Fund.
We gathered in the tunnel awaiting our glorious finale. Ross Tokely gave us a pat on the back, as did most of the 2 squads and management teams.
Finally, it was our time to go out onto the pitch. We had just walked 160 miles down the road, and now had to walk another few hundred yards round a football pitch. The fans were superb and the noise was fantastic. We were there to soak up the applause of thousands as it was there just for us.
Junior had the ‘orn all the way around, whilst Tall Paul and Bronson were collecting the funds from the fans. Fantastic!
We made our way back into the stand, not without Canary, ITN, Elvis and Junior posing for a picture with the Cheerleaders beforehand.
The game was great and made all the better by the scoreline. Dennis Wyness had the chance to become ICT’s all-time leading goal scorer on this day, needing just 3 goalds before his pre-contract move the Hearts was complete. Falkirk were to give Inverness a scare going 2-1 in front, and the half-time cheerleaders gave much liked entertainment for all.
Falkirk were not to celebrate their last day at Brockville in the manner they had hoped, as ICT not only went on to win the game 3-2, but broke Falkirk’s unbeaten home record for the season. Despite the scoreline though, Falkirk were already named Champions f the Scottish 1st Division, and the crowning was a sight to remember. The cheerleaders were again on hand to give all perverts what they wanted, but it was now time for the Highland March band-wagon to disperse.
ITN and Elvis went departed back to Glasgow, and the remaining troops joined UA on the bus back to Inverness. The journey back had made it clear just how far we had walked. 7 days to walk or 4 hours on a bus? what were we thinking? this surely was an anticlimax?
Knowing that a group of strangers can gel like these had done, in just one week, was astonishing. Some had met previously, but had never seen eachother out of the ‘football cycle’.
We made it back to Inverness following the ICT team bus most of the way North, also passing the newly promoted Brechin City bus on the way into Perth.
Ross Tokely had his mobile to hand and was given a rendition of ‘Give us a wave’, before the Innes Bar was awaiting our arrival.
UA and Guzz were reunited again, and Scotty and Big Stu were in awe of the achievements we had made. Junior managed to get exceptionally bladdered along with his folks, whilst Bronson was left to sob after the loss of his new found drinking buddy – Elvis.
IN THE END…
The Highland Marchers raised a Fantastic £3075 for the Moray Firth Radio Charity Trust Fund, by covering 160 miles in a week by walking. Before the journeys end, we had already started to think of ideas for Highland March 2 – watch this space!!!