Duncan Ferguson has set the tone – as he often did on the park

The Highlanders face the financial abyss if they can’t raise £200,000 by the middle of this month and need up to £1.6million to make i until the end of the season.

Duncan Ferguson always gave 100 per cent on the park.

The legendary striker played with his heart on his sleeve, especially for his beloved Everton.

So perhaps it is no surprise the big man has decided to work for free to help his current employers Inverness Caley Thistle through the worst period in their history.

The Highlanders face the financial abyss if they can’t raise £200,000 by the middle of this month and need up to £1.6million to make i until the end of the season.

It is a tragic situation for a club which has been a credit to the Scottish game.

Caley Thistle brought top league football to the Highlands but were not content on treading water.

For years they thrived and not so long ago won the Scottish Cup, bringing the famous old trophy home to an adoring city after beating Falkirk in 2015. To see them face such peril must be difficult for their fans and the people of Inverness who have enjoyed so many good times.

Hopefully, Caley Thistle can find the financial support they need to meet their obligations and get back on a solid footing.

The club will need everyone to pull together to make it through the toughest of times.

Big Dunc has set the tone though – as he often did on the park.

Good on him and good luck to Caley Thistle.

Bleak winter

It is alarming to see the impact the Winter Fuel Payment cut is likely to have on the NHS.

Analysis from campaigning group the End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates it could cost our health service up to £85million in the next five years.

The NHS is under huge financial pressure on all fronts, from meeting A&E waiting time targets to mental health provision. It can’t take much more.

The decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment was not without merit.

Some wealthier pensioners don’t need the money and there is only so much cash available from the public purse.

But like many policy decisions, the devil is in the detail.

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It is clear that some who need this payment will miss out and the consequences could impact on their mental and physical health.

The NHS already faces increased demand over winter and is stretched to breaking point.

The UK and Scottish governments must work together to make sure the impact of the Winter Fuel Payment cut does not fall on our health service.

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