Ardnamurchan shinty girls see stars...and stripes

The purpose of the trip is to promote the women’s game, with numbers declining in recent years. This, however, is not the case on the peninsula with female players outnumbering their male counterparts.

The opportunity came with a list of goals for the girls which included playing for their club or school for a year and giving back to the community.

The AHS girls have achieved this by coaching in primary schools, promoting shinty within the school cluster and taking part in the High Life Highland Choose to Lead programme which will see the girls receive a National 4 certificate on completion.

The Camanachd Association ran a successful get together day in Kingussie to allow the girls to meet those who will be heading away from other schools.

The girls have been fundraising since September 2023, raising more than £20,000 for the the trip. Their target was surpassed in early 2024 following events ranging from sponsored cycles and swims to raffles and dances.

The trip will be led by Alan Gray, Active Schools Co-ordinator, and Jacob Green, Ardnamurchan Camanachd coach).

"The girls thanks everyone in their wonderful community who has supported by way of buying raffle tickets, sponsoring or coming along to the dances. It is much appreciated," said Alan.

"Thanks also to Kinlochmoidart Hydro Scheme which donated a large sum towards the trip. Without its generosity and willingness to support the girls, the trip would not be possible." 

On June 14, two weeks before they leave, the girls will be running a prize bingo night at the Sunart Centre,  Strontian, to help raise funds for Ardnamurchan Camanachd and to say thank you to everyone who has donated to the trip.

Alan added: "The generosity of local communities has been unbelievable. The girls have worked hard and I am so proud of all of them for committing to everything we have done.

"Thanks also to the parents who have driven them everywhere and been at the forefront of the fundraising.

"You can feel the excitement amongst the group and their enthusiasm for the game has shown throughout, particularly when they have visited primary schools to run sessions."

Squad member Ava added: “I am excited to go on the trip and get to know the girls from the other schools. I really enjoyed fundraising and taking part in the joint training session. We all thank Lyndsay Bradley for coaching us and working hard to help fundraise and make the trip happen."