Ticket prices cut for cup final

The Scottish FA hopes cheap tickets will persuade neutral supporters to join fans of Inverness and Falkirk at next month's William Hill Scottish Cup final.

Premiership high-flyers Caley Thistle are aiming to win the competition for the first time in the club's 21-year history, but Peter Houston is praying he can lead his Championship Bairns to their first Cup triumph since 1957.

But with the Highlanders boasting an average home attendance of just 3,800 and Falkirk only 4,300, Hampden chiefs are worried the showpiece clash will be played out at a half-empty National Stadium.

So in a bid to lure fans of other clubs to the match, the SFA has announced a list of concession tickets.

Students, children and senior citizens will all be able to watch the May 30 clash for as little as £5.

A family of four will be able to take their seats from just £60.

Concessions will also be available for the first time in the North Stand, with the best seats in the house priced from just £10.

The prices were agreed by the governing body and both clubs in the hope they "will also encourage neutral supporters to come along and enjoy the occasion''.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "This year's William Hill Scottish Cup final promises to be a wonderful occasion, one that will capture the imagination not just of Falkirk and Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans, but their respective communities at large.

"On behalf of the Scottish FA, I would like to thank both clubs for their positive contributions to the plans for the Final, and wish them the best of luck on May 30th.''

Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron added: "This will be very much a 'family final' and with youngsters able to attend for £5, I hope supporters will feel that the pricing meets their pockets and that it also appeals to neutral followers.

"I'm pleased that we, Falkirk, and the Scottish FA were able to reach a timely and amicable agreement on ticket prices, and we've already received an impressive volume of enquiries as the countdown to the final gathers momentum.

"There will be a major exodus from the Highlands on the day plus we'll have supporters travelling from a range of countries. It should be a memorable occasion.''

Falkirk executive director Ronnie Bateman also said: "There has been a huge number of enquiries about tickets already, not only from our own supporters, but from neutrals.

"I think everybody realises it's going to be an exciting afternoon of football and a game which will be in the 'not-to-be-missed' category.

"We've had fruitful talks with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and the Scottish FA, and all parties are committed to making sure that fans get their tickets with ease, and at an affordable price, for what promises to be a great family day out.''