July 15th 2024
County Anthem (words and picture by Iain Ramage). A new rousing anthem is about to hit the terraces and the international airwaves. It is not a Brazilian samba to mark this summer's World Cup, but an infectious locally produced pop song to celebrate Nairn County's centenary year and timed for the special 2014-15 special season. Local songwriter Kim Brown, a music student and singer with the popular Kitty Black Band, has created "We Believe" after being commissioned by club officials impressed with her musical pedigree. The mum-of-four has followed County closely over the past year in order to capture the sense of loyalty and camaraderie among fans. As well as grasping a sense of the ups and downs on the pitch, she has also experienced a spell of unprecedented support for the club. Many thousands of pounds have been donated to help upgrade facilities at its Station Park ground, largely through the hard graft of a supporters' group. And that spirit is the bedrock of the song. Kim hopes to convey it in her latest number which is sung by youngsters from the Rosebank Primary School choir and due for imminent release on CD and online. The final mix is being cut after an exciting recording session in Inverness. The hope is that the fans adopt it as their official battle cry for the big season. Kim, 38, who has led the school's choir for the past year and attends as many County games as possible, said: "I was honoured to do this. I'm a sucker for the local team. I don't watch the big fixtures on the telly or even the World Cup. "It's a different vibe altogether at Station Park. It's a real family thing. That, to me, is what it's all about". "To witness the emotion has been unbelievable. I'd never quite experienced it before. I'm sure it's like that at most parks where most supporters go down and watch their team, but it just feels different here. To experience that really helped when putting the song together." We Believe will have its official launch with a special rendition by the 21-girl choir at a pre-season fixture still to be arranged. Club officials have been thrilled by the result, including manager Les Fridge and his assistant Ally Macleod, who modestly declined to sing themselves at the recent Inverness recording session, but were moved by the performance. Les said: "It is brilliant. The kids were excellent and it sounded really good. If I could sing, I would have joined in". "It is a great idea and will be a great addition to the whole centenary year celebration." Nairn County director of football Peter Mackintosh Jnr, who with his wife Val proposed the idea, said: "A lot of primary school kids come to our games. Les goes out and coaches within all the primary schools in the area". "So, we thought it would be nice if Kim could write a song and bring the kids together for the recording". "We were very impressed". She's a very talented lady and it's going to be something really special that comes from the community. "I think the fans will pick it up very quickly. I hope local radio picks it up and fans buy copies. It'll be great promotion for the town of Nairn". "The kids are the future and Nairn County is a community club. The fans' supporting group has been fantastic for the town. Pulling everybody together with a common aim becomes a common benefit." Further extensive improvements are also planned for County's ground this summer including the installation of state of the art changing rooms. The club's centenary events kick off with a 200-strong Sportsman's Gala Dinner at the Newton Hotel on May 9. WE BELIEVE – THE CHORUS "We'll take the pain to reach our aim, To stand in unity for victory in this game. We'll work together. We will achieve, Nairn County, we can do it. We believe." Iain Ramage
