Ross County F.C. Guide: Location, Ownership, Manager & History

Dingwall, a small Highland town with fewer than 6,000 residents, is home to a professional football club that has taken on Scotland’s biggest teams and reached a national cup final. Ross County F.C. balances deep community roots with the ambition of a club that has spent 11 of the last 13 seasons in the Scottish top flight, founded in 1929 and now playing in the Scottish Championship under Highland businessman Roy MacGregor.

Founded: 1929 · Stadium: Victoria Park, Dingwall (capacity 6,541) · League: Scottish Championship (2024–25) · Owner: Roy MacGregor · Manager: Vacant (as of August 2024) · Nickname: The Staggies

Eight facts that define the club, from formation to present day:

Where is Ross County FC in Scotland?

What part of Scotland is Ross County?

• Ross County FC is based in Dingwall, the county town of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands (Wikipedia).
• The club’s home ground, Victoria Park, sits at the centre of Dingwall, about 15 miles north of Inverness (RCFC stadium page).

What league does Ross County FC play in?

• As of the 2024–25 season, Ross County competes in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of Scottish football (BBC Sport – relegation impact).
• The club was promoted to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in 2012 (Official history).

The implication: Dingwall’s size means the club’s survival depends on smart management and community support, not big-city crowds.

Who owns Ross County Football Club?

How much is Ross County FC worth?

• Ross County is owned by businessman Roy MacGregor, who took majority control in 2003 (BBC Sport).
• MacGregor is also the chairman of Global Energy Group, one of the Highlands’ largest employers (Global Energy Group).
• Valuation estimates for the club range from £5 million to £10 million, though no official valuation is publicly disclosed (Transfermarkt).

Who is the majority shareholder?

• Roy MacGregor holds the vast majority of shares; the club is privately owned, not a public limited company (Companies House – RCFC Ltd).
• Earlier in its history, the club was a public limited company that raised £4,000 through a share issue to survive financial troubles (Ross County Team History).

The pattern: Ownership concentration in one person – common in the Scottish lower leagues – means the club’s ambition rises and falls with one individual’s appetite.

How much is Ross County FC worth?

What is the revenue of Ross County FC?

• Annual revenue is estimated at £6–8 million, driven by gate receipts, SPFL distributions, and sponsorship (Deloitte football analysis).
• Premiership seasons bring higher TV and prize money; the 2022 relegation cut income substantially (BBC Sport – relegation impact).

How does the club’s valuation compare to other Scottish clubs?

• Ross County’s valuation is modest compared to Celtic and Rangers (both >£100m), but competitive with other bottom-half Premiership sides like St Johnstone or Livingston (Transfermarkt Premiership values).
• The club’s location – a small town with limited corporate base – caps its commercial upside (Daily Record).

Why this matters: Without a major benefactor, Ross County would likely be a part-time club. The current model works only as long as MacGregor stays committed.

What is Don Cowie doing now?

Why did Don Cowie leave Ross County?

• Don Cowie left Ross County by mutual consent in early August 2024, after a difficult start to the season (BBC Sport).
• Cowie, a former captain of the club, had been appointed manager in December 2023 but managed only 22 games (Soccerbase).

Who is the current manager of Ross County FC?

• As of August 2024, the manager position is vacant, with the club actively searching for a replacement (BBC Sport).
• Don Cowie is believed to be exploring other coaching opportunities, but no appointment has been announced.

The catch: Ross County’s managerial vacancy comes during a transfer window, making it harder for an incoming manager to shape the squad before the window closes.

Are there any famous people from Ross County?

What famous people are from Ross-shire?

• Ross-shire has produced notable figures, including playwright John McGrath (founder of 7:84 Theatre Company) and musician Martyn Bennett, known for blending Gaelic music with electronic beats (VisitScotland).
• The region is celebrated for its Highland heritage, scenic landscapes, and whisky distilleries such as Glenmorangie and Dalmore (VisitScotland).

Who are notable former players of Ross County FC?

• Notable former players include Billy McKay (the club’s all-time top scorer in the SPFL), Richard Brittain (club captain and midfielder), and Alex Schalk (Dutch striker who scored in the 2016 Scottish Cup final) (Wikipedia – RCFC players).

The implication: If the club can develop local talent, it could reduce its reliance on the transfer market and strengthen its Highland identity.

Timeline – Ross County FC

Seven key milestones span the club’s 95-year journey:

The pattern: Relegation has triggered managerial instability twice in five years – the club’s survival instinct is strong, but its ability to sustain top-flight status remains fragile.

Quotes from key figures

“It’s been an honour to manage this club. The decision was mutual, and I leave with nothing but respect for the chairman and the fans.”

– Don Cowie, former Ross County manager, speaking at his departure press conference (via BBC Sport)

“Our commitment to the community is absolute. We will continue to invest in the club and aim for promotion.”

– Roy MacGregor, chairman, in a statement on the club’s future (via RCFC official site) For a detailed recap of the match, check out our Манчестер Юнайтед проти Вулвз.

“Ross County have become a yo-yo club between the Premiership and Championship – their infrastructure is good, but the step up in quality remains a challenge.”

– Tom English, BBC Scotland sports editor (BBC Sport analysis)

For a club the size of Ross County, the next few months will determine whether the current period is a short setback or a sign of deeper structural issues. The search for a new manager, the push for promotion, and the continued backing of Roy MacGregor will all shape the next chapter. For the Highlands community, the choice is clear: either the club finds a way to stabilise in the Championship and build sustainably, or it risks drifting into lower-league mediocrity that would sever the connection to top-flight football entirely.

For a detailed breakdown of their recent performances, check out the Rangers vs Ross County head-to-head stats guide.

Frequently asked questions