The Scottish FA today announced that it had joined forces with Highland 2007 to stage the Four Nations Semi-Professional Tournament in Inverness, Dingwall and Brora during May as part of Scotland’s Year of Highland Culture.

The annual tournament, involving Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, will be played between the 22 and 27 May, with all Scotland matches being staged at Ross County F.C’s Victoria Park.

Speaking on the eve of Scotland’s UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying match against Italy in Bari, SFA Chief Executive, David Taylor commented: “It is a pleasure for the Association to host the Four Nations Tournament in the Highlands, during Scotland’s year of Highland culture, and we are delighted to be working with Highland 2007 in the valuable promotion of the Highlands of Scotland.”

Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Four Nations Semi-Professional Tournament to the Highlands as part of the Highland 2007 programme of events in this special year. The tournament is sure to attract interest both locally and with football fans from further afield.”

Chairman of the Tournament Organising Committee, Alan McRae, was similarly enthusiastic: “I am sure that the players, officials and supporters of England, Ireland and Wales will be inspired by the hospitality, friendliness and scenery in the Highlands.”

The Scotland Semi-Pro team, comprising players from the Highland, East and South of Scotland Leagues, will be managed by Jim Fleeting, SFA Director of Football Development.

Tournament schedule:

Tuesday, 22 May, 2007

• Scotland v. Wales
  Venue: Victoria Park, Dingwall
  Kick-Off: 7.45 p.m.
• Republic of Ireland v. England
  Venue: Grant Street Park, Inverness
  Kick off: 7.45 p.m.

Friday, 25 May, 2007

• Scotland v. England
  Venue: Victoria Park, Dingwall
  Kick off: 8.00 p.m.
• Wales v. Republic of Ireland
  Venue: Dudgeon Park, Brora
  Kick off: 6.00 p.m.

Sunday, 27 May, 2007

• England v. Wales
  Venue: Grant Street Park, Inverness
  Kick off: 2.00 p.m.
• Scotland v. Republic of Ireland
  Venue: Victoria Park, Dingwall
  Kick off: 2.00 p.m.