Dingwall Academy’s ‘Hampden Heroes’ set to reunite 30 years after schools’ shield triumph
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Players and coaches who tasted national success as members of a Ross-shire high school football team are set to reunite for an anniversary celebration later this year.
Dingwall Academy lifted the under-18 Scottish Schools’ Shield at Hampden Park, Glasgow on May 26, 1994, after beating Cardinal Newman High School from Bellshill by one goal to nil.
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It was the first time the trophy had been brought to the north since its introduction 91 years prior.
The returning “Hampden Heroes” were greeted in Dingwall by a civic reception at Tulloch Castle, in the company of pupils, parents, staff and council officials, along with representatives from Ross County football club.
Now — some 30 years later — the squad and coaching team behind the momentous success are planning to reunite for a special celebration.
They are hoping to meet in August or September, with hospitality, memorabilia displays and a half-time walk out at the Global Energy Stadium forming part of their plans.
Reunion organiser Don Esson, who taught history at the Academy at the time, said: “A small group of us, including Jack Sutherland, the cup winning coach, myself and some of the former players have managed to gather the contact details of almost all the players. This has taken slightly longer than anticipated.
“We are hoping to hold a 30th anniversary reunion early next football season, either in August or September. We had hoped to do this in May but timescales have not been possible.
“Plans are still at very early stages. We are hoping to possibly book hospitality at a Ross County game and have a table and display with cup winning memorabilia on show.
“It’s hoped that we may be able to introduce the team at half time to the crowd and have a lap of honour as happened at Victoria Park 30 years ago.
“I contacted Ross County to make them aware of the forthcoming 30th anniversary. I have also spoken with Jack Sutherland and Don Cowie (senior) and both are very much keen for the anniversary to be recognised or commemorated in some shape or form.
“I recently contacted Paul Cowie who is now Academy Director at Dundee United and I also very recently met Michael Rae, the cup winning goalkeeper and now one of the managers at Inverness Leisure Centre.
“Very interestingly, Mike has just had the original VHS footage of the cup final transferred to USB format to share with former team mates with the 30th anniversary coming up soon.
“We’d like to be able to contact a number of the team via social media to gather thoughts regarding commemorating the anniversary.”
Anyone seeking information regarding the cup final and provisional 30th Anniversary plans they are invited to contact Jack Sutherland on his mobile on 07768 972226 or via email to kjsuth@aol.com.
