Camanachd Association CEO Ruari Davidson says MacTavish Cup Final ‘a true celebration of all that makes our sport so special’
Shinty could scarcely have enjoyed a better match than the Lovat versus Kingussie for Saturday’s MacTavish Cup Final that inaugurated the revamped Bught Park.
For a sport that is aiming to attract new followers and players, the final provided the perfect example of what it has to offer, which is much more than a hard fought contest between two teams.
To begin with the omens were not good, the forecast promised thunderstorms from morning until night – not that that would have put the players off. And there is always a risk that any final in any sport does not live up to expectations – on both counts the omens were flat earth wrong.
The senior final was not the only event of the day as both the Mackay Cup and Mactavish Juvenile Cup were being played as well at the recently redeveloped Bught Park.
The upgrade to the stand managed to both conserve character but update it while the handsome new HQ is coming along and will provide the Camanachd Association with much needed office space and hospitality facilities as well.
Not least of all it will host a museum of shinty but going by Saturday’s event its best days are in the future.
The rain held almost until the full-time whistle and the close match was a spectacular exhibition that could have been anyone’s until late in the second half.
The favourites Kingussie ran out 2-0 winners but such was the standard of play you couldn’t help feeling that they won rather than Lovat losing.
For those of us more benighted by watching sports marred by play-acting, time-wasting and cheating, it was a pleasure to see a serious and sportsmanlike contest.
In all honesty, I felt a little daft at not being in regular attendance and even a little jealous of those who have been wise to shinty all long, and I left with a sense of being converted.
One of the reasons for feeling that way is the overwhelming good nature of the event – yes, like any sport there are rivalries but it remains best played amateur sport in the country.
There was also the sense of a community coming together from right across the Highlands to celebrate the Highlands own homegrown sport.
That might be the real attraction of the game in that it is local in the best sense, almost all players remain with the club they grew-up with and very few move on elsewhere.
As one player put it to me: “I would rather retire than play for another team”, and I think that captures the ultimate integrity at the heart of the sport.
Nothing is more difficult than trying to persuade someone to show an interest in a sport that they are not already into but if you do want a fast-faced physical game then take yourself along to match - you will not be disappointed.
It is a hugely entertaining sport to watch – imagine a free flowing game of football with players you can’t knock down with a feather.
So the hopes of the Camanachd Association to raise its already healthy profile higher still could not have been better served by the showcase on Saturday.
The CEO of the Camanachd Association Ruari Davidson tended to agree: “The 2025 W M Donald MacTavish Cup Final was a true celebration of all that makes our sport so special.
“Kingussie and Lovat delivered a match of exceptional skill, intensity, and sportsmanship—an outstanding showcase of top-level shinty befitting such an historic competition.
“The day was a brilliant opportunity to showcase all parts of our pathway, with both the Mackay Cup and Mactavish Juvenile Cup being played alongside the senior final at the recently redeveloped Bught Park.
“What truly stood out on the day was the strong sense of community – on and off the field. From young players to lifelong supporters, it reflects our vision of a sport that is open, accessible and welcoming to all.
“Above all, it was a fantastic day out for everyone. Families, friends and fans enjoyed not just a high quality final, but a celebration of all that is good within our sport.
“With more finals to come later this season, I look forward to welcoming even more people to be part of these special occasions that continue to showcase the very best of our game and our communities.”
