[4] A merger between the three Inverness clubs (Caledonian, Clachnacuddin and Thistle), who all played in the Highland Football League, had long been mooted.

[2] Despite clear opposition from most of the supporters, the directors of Caledonian and Thistle pressed ahead with a merger proposal.

[2] The new club, which was initially called Caledonian Thistle, gained SFL membership in 1994 and played its home games at Telford Street Park.

[2] As part of its SFL membership bid, Caledonian Thistle had pledged to find a new ground by August 1995.

[2] The league granted an extension to August 1996, as the proposed new site required £900,000 of funding from Inverness District Council.