A Highland town is celebrating after Ross County football team were promoted to the Scottish Premier League.

The Staggies team earned their promotion after being crowned champions of the Scottish First Division.

They clinched the title on Tuesday night, despite not playing, and with five games still to go.

The news has prompted celebrations in the team's home town of Dingwall, and much further afield.

Donnie MacBean has been secretary of Ross County FC for the last 30 years and describes the feeling when the news came through.

He said: "It was just very emotional last night. The whole town is just buzzing.

"Obviously for myself it's just unbelievable, super.

"Eighteen years ago (then-chairman) Hector MacLennan and myself went down to the SFL to pitch our case and lo-and-behold we got in. Here we are in the SPL now. It's great."

Paul Chalk, sports editor of the local North Star newspaper, said: "It's absolutely huge. I think the worldwide reaction to this last night, as soon as the news came through, was terrific.

"I think Ross County will be a welcome addition to the top flight. What they've achieved is just remarkable.

"To do it with a club based in Dingwall, in a small town, has never been done before. The nearest we've had is Gretna, but there were money men behind Gretna and it didn't work for them.

"Ross County have got a solid foundation that they can build from. It's great news all round for the north."

Ross County formed in 1929 and joined the Scottish Football League setup in 1994, having previously been members of the Highland League.

Having won the Third Division in 1998/99, they spent one season in the Second Division before winning promotion to the First Division for the start of the 2000/01 season.

After relegation at the end of the 2006/07 campaign, they bounced back immediately as champions and consolidated their place in the second tier, finishing eighth, fifth and eighth respectively in the last three seasons.

County also rose to prominence in the 2009/10 season when they shocked Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final, convincingly winning 2-0 to book their place in the final, which they lost 3-0 to Dundee United.

Councillor Sandy Park, Highland Council convener said: "This is a great achievement for Ross County and our warmest congratulations go the manager, the players, the directors and the supporters. Their success in recent times in reaching the Scottish Cup final and now promotion to the top flight of Scottish football is truly remarkable.

"Ross County are a wee team with big ideas and ambitions and I have no doubt they will prosper in the Premier League.

"The prospect of a Highland derby is exciting for the fans and there is no doubt both clubs will benefit from their friendly rivalry. Local businesses will also benefit from the visits of the bigger premier league teams and their supporters.

"We are very proud of having two Highland sides in the Scottish Premier League. Who would have thought that when they were admitted into the league in 1994/95 that both would be playing in top flight."