Aberdeen’s Alfie Stewart makes loan return to Caley Thistle

Aberdeen attacker Alfie Stewart has joined his Dons team-mate Alfie Bavidge in returning on loan to Caley Thistle for next season.

The duo, who earned new Aberdeen deals this summer, are back with Scott Kellacher’s team, having played big roles in helping the Highlanders win League One in May.

The attacking midfielder has just returned from pre-season in the Netherlands with the Dons and will aim to develop further in the Scottish Championship.

‘Right environment’ for Stewart

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is confident his Academy youth academy graduates can kick on once more in the second-tier with ICT.

He said: “Alfie is a talented young player who has performed well in pre-season training but as part of his wider development plan it is vital he continues to gain exposure to regular first team football.

“We believe this will be the right environment for Alfie to keep progressing. This time, he has the opportunity to show the impact he can make in what will be a challenging Championship campaign.

“As with Alfie Bavidge, who is also on loan at Inverness, we very much believe in his potential so we will monitor his progress closely and look forward to seeing him step up to the challenge this season.”

Stewart, 19, has made 61 appearances and scored 11 goals across his previous two loan spells with the Inverness club.

He first moved to ICT on loan from Aberdeen in January 2025, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals as he helped the club retain their League One status in 2024-25 after a 15-point deduction for being in administration.

He returned for the 2025–26 campaign and played a vital role in helping the club secure the League One title.

Stewart was named SPFL League One Player of the Season, ICTFC Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Young Player of the Season after making 44 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Stewart eyes more Inverness success

And the Dons starlet hopes he can secure more magical moments with Inverness, whose competitive season starts on Saturday at home to East Fife in the Premier Sports Cup.

He said: “I’m delighted to be back at Inverness. I really enjoyed my time here over the last couple of seasons.

“The fans, the staff and the lads made me feel at home from the moment I arrived, and we’ve shared some great memories together. Winning the league last season was a special achievement, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.

“I’m looking forward to getting started again, helping the team in any way I can and hopefully enjoying another successful season together.”

[Source: Press and Journal]