Highland Amateur Cup could be extended into September, cup officials warn amid appeals wrangle
Highland Amateur Cup officials have warned that this year’s competition could run into September – with Wick Groats among several clubs facing an extended wait to discover when they’ll next be in action.
Groats’ second round tie against CK Interiors has been postponed as a result of an unresolved protest from the previous round, one of several disputes currently under review by the cup’s national body, the Scottish Amateur Football Association (SAFA).
The uncertainty has forced organisers to consider pushing the competition beyond its scheduled end date.
Adding further to congestion concerns, the association had already agreed to breaks for teams with players involved in the 2025 Island Games in July.
In a statement issued this week, Highland Amateur Cup secretary Bob Gunn warned local associations to prepare for significant disruption.
“We have made a commitment to accommodate the Island Games this year,” he said. “So, we simply do not have enough Saturdays to accommodate all these changes within the competition dates as agreed at the AGM.
“The extent of these events will not become clear until these items have been fully discharged and the third round draw has been made – but it is likely the competition will have to be extended until September of this year.”
Groats had been drawn to face Inverness & District outfit CK Interiors, who progressed straight to the second round after their possible first round opponents — Lochness Thistle or Culloden — were both eliminated in controversial circumstances.
Culloden are understood to have alleged that Lochness had fielded an ineligible player in their preliminary round meeting. A hearing found Lochness had broken the rules and they were duly eliminated, but having failed to appeal within the required three-day window, Culloden were also ruled out – handing CK a bye.
Culloden have now taken their protest to SAFA, and the case is now under review.
A final decision is still to be made, leaving Groats without a confirmed second round fixture date.
Two other second round ties involving island sides — Scalloway v Iochdar Saints and East United v Barra — have also been postponed due to protests under consideration.
While administrative wrangling continues, several Caithness clubs remain on course to play this Saturday, May 31.
Pentland United will travel south to take on Inverness new boys Tornagrain in a 3pm fixture at Culloden.
It’ll be a battle for the academicals when Thurso Acks make their way over the Pentland Firth to play Kirkwall Accies.
On neutral ground, High Ormlie Hotspurs will meet Benbecula at Black Rock Park at 3pm in Evanton, and Halkirk will host Carloway at Culbokie for a noon kick off.
Elsewhere, Wick Thistle host Inver at Upper Bignold at 3pm, while Watten take on Staxigoe United in the only all-Caithness tie.