MMPG Ltd and www.highlandleague.net can officially confirm that the 2007 Semi Professional Four Nations tournament will be taking place in Scotland and that it is the turn of the Highlands to host this prestigious event with Inverness set to be the base for the four national association sides.

SFA spokesperson Eileen Logan, who has been a key figure in the administration and organisation of the Scottish team over the course of the previous tournaments, explained that although the venues and dates are still to be finalised the event will take place in the Inverness area between May 21st and 27th.

Although the move had been mentioned at the end of last years tournament in Brighton the news that Scotland would make the move to take the event north a year earlier than expected has now been confirmed to tie in with Highland 2007.

Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, is bringing together a year long programme of events encompassing the six strands of culture: sport, arts, science, heritage, environment and language.  The programme will highlight the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as a great place to live and to visit through the rich culture of the area.

Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Four Nations Football Tournament to the Highlands in 2007 as one of the major sporting events in the Highland 2007 programme.  This prominent event in the football calendar is sure to attract lots of interest from fans throughout the UK.”

The Semi Pro Four Nations tournament sees Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales represented in an international capacity at semi professional level.  The Scots utilise players from the Highland, East of Scotland and South of Scotland Leagues.

The English National Game side is drawn from the Conference and regional Conference leagues while the Welsh mix English based conference players with some from the League of Wales.  The Irish team is primarily made up of U-23 players from the top sides in the League of Ireland.

Scotland have finished second on two separate occasions in the tournament and will be hoping that they can move from being the bridesmaid to the bride this year.

Contacts:
Highland League: Steven Rattray: 01343 842776 : 0774 0554 004