Bond between Hearts and Caley Thistle set to grow stronger

It was over seven years ago now, but one good turn deserves another.

Steven Kilgour, general secretary of the Federation of Hearts supporters, recently got in touch with Inverness Caledonian Thistle to suggest giving something back to the Highlands club, who are in a predicament just now with games going off left, right and centre.

Kilgour remembered the gesture from Inverness in August 2013, when Hearts, then in administration and on minus eight points, travelled to face Inverness in a Premiership fixture.

The home club had committed to donating £5 to the Hearts supporters’ fighting fund for every ticket sold over the average away support attendance of 650. In the event, more than 1000

Hearts fans turned up.

With no supporters able to attend the Championship fixture between the teams at the end of this month, and the game having been selected for live TV by BBC Scotland, Inverness cannot even rely on money coming in from pay-perview. Taking a cue from the recent Marine v Spurs FA Cup tie, when the nonleague side sold over 30,000 virtual tickets, Hearts fans will be able to buy a ticket for their game v Inverness, helping fill the home side’s coffers.

Of course, another thing that won’t be forgotten is that Inverness supported Hearts by voting against a resolution to curtail last season. It also helps that Hearts legend John Robertson, pictured, is in charge of Inverness.

Supporters of either side will be able to purchase a virtual ticket for £5 or, for £10, one personally signed by Robertson, with a thank you note from the former striker included. More details to come later today.