Storm Gerrit blows floodlight base down at Highland League football club Deveronvale's Princess Royal Park ground
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Highland League football side Deveronvale have been hit hard by the effects of Storm Gerrit.
One of the floodlight stanchions at Vale's Princess Royal Park ground in Banff was blown off its base by the gale force winds around Christmas time.
The club will now have to take on the cost of replacing all of their floodlights, which were first installed 37 years ago.
A spokesperson said: "The club’s board have been discussing replacing the floodlights and yesterday’s unfortunate occurrence simply accelerates the plans for that replacement.
"Clearly this will be a costly exercise and discussions on accessing grants and other funding are ongoing."
Several Highland League clubs, including Vale's Banffshire neighbours Keith and Buckie Thistle, have received funding to upgrade their existing lights.
The Banff outfit have been kicking off their home matches at the earlier time of 2pm, and had planned to do the same for their next two PRP fixtures against Deveronvale on January 6 and Formartine United a fortnight later.
Even a 2pm start may not allow enough light when matches are completed close to 4pm, meaning that Vale may even have to seek permission to kick off their January matches at 1.30pm.
The club added: "A further update on the floodlight replacement plan will be issued in the New Year."
Deveronvale's floodlights were officially unveiled in December 1986 for a friendly match against Aberdeen.
A strong Dons team containing Gothenburg legends Jim Leighton, John McMaster and Neil Simpson won 4-2 with Joe Miller scoring a hat-trick, after Vale twice led.
