Football team to help businesses hit by coronavirus outbreak

A football team that’s no stranger to financial uncertainty will dig deep to help struggling businesses in the Highlands during the coronavirus outbreak.

Nairn County, a Highland League club saved by the supporters in 2016 after its then-sponsors pulled their backing, has turned its attentions to supporting the community in the face of tough times caused by the spread of Covid-19.

The club will continue to pay wages in full to its staff and has decided to pay forward what it can to local businesses for the coming season.

Club bosses have also offered to help those who need assistance in picking up shopping or a prescription.

Additionally, as football has been postponed indefinitely, the club will use its social media channels to advertise sponsors and encourage people to shop locally and consider making future bookings for hotels, pubs and restaurants in Nairn.

In a statement, club secretary Ian Finlayson said they had budgeted for “tougher times”, before adding: “The rainy days have come and we are ready for them.”

He continued: “We can confirm today that wages will continue to be paid in full to all our players and staff and that we will continue to meet our due bills and costs.

“Now to our wider responsibilities. When we were in financial trouble several years ago, we asked the community for help and the community responded. We remember this and now it is our turn to repay this debt.

“In the coming days we will be in touch with local businesses to pay forward what we can for the coming season so that businesses will have that cash now when it is most needed, instead of next season.”

Mr Finlayson added: “… we are not playing football for the foreseeable future, so if we can help on a Saturday with anyone in self isolation, be it picking up your shopping, getting your prescription to you or even just walking the dog, drop us a message or give us a call and we will sort something out for you.

“Nobody knows how long this virus will be with us, it could be a long haul, but we want you to know that your club is with you. You have supported us, now it’s our turn to do the same for you.”