Inverurie Loco Works

Inverurie Loco Works Football Club, often referred to as "the Locos," is a semi-professional football team based in Inverurie, a town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The club was established in 1903, originally as a works team for the Great North of Scotland Railway. The team's name is a nod to its railway heritage, with "Loco" being short for "Locomotive."

The club has a rich history, with its roots deeply embedded in the local community. For much of its early existence, the Locos competed in local Aberdeenshire leagues, where they enjoyed considerable success. In 2001, they made the significant step up to join the Highland Football League, a semi-professional league that covers the north of Scotland. This move marked a new era for the club, as they began competing against some of the most respected semi-professional teams in Scotland.

Inverurie Loco Works FC plays its home games at Harlaw Park, a stadium with a capacity of around 2,000 spectators. The ground is shared with the local rugby club, reflecting the close-knit nature of the sporting community in Inverurie. The team's colours are red and black, and their badge features a steam locomotive, a further reference to the club's railway origins.

Despite being a semi-professional club, the Locos have a reputation for nurturing young talent. They have a successful youth development program, with several players having gone on to play at a higher level. The club is also known for its commitment to the local community, regularly hosting charity events and supporting local initiatives.

On the pitch, Inverurie Loco Works FC has enjoyed a fair share of success. They have won the Aberdeenshire Shield multiple times and have also been victorious in the Aberdeenshire Cup. In the Highland League, they have consistently been competitive, often finishing in the top half of the table.

The club's most successful period came in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when they won several trophies and established themselves as one of the top teams in the Highland League. During this period, they also enjoyed some memorable runs in the Scottish Cup, the oldest national football tournament in the world.

Inverurie Loco Works FC is more than just a football club. It is a symbol of the town of Inverurie, a testament to its railway history, and a focal point for the local community. The club's motto, "Progress Together," encapsulates its commitment to collective advancement, both on and off the pitch. Despite the challenges that come with being a semi-professional team in a football-mad nation, the Locos continue to thrive, embodying the spirit of grassroots football in Scotland.