127 years of history to be preserved at Inverness Castle
The Camanachd Association is delighted to announce a momentous decision that will preserve the rich history and heritage of the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup. The iconic shinty trophy will be officially retired to Inverness Castle, where it will find a permanent home, ensuring its conservation and protection for generations to come.
The Camanachd Cup has been a symbol of excellence and sporting prowess within the shinty community since its inception in the late 19th century. Over the years, the trophy has been awarded to countless talented teams, celebrating their achievements and contributions to this traditional Scottish sport. Its significance goes far beyond its material value, holding a sentimental place in the hearts of players and fans alike.
However, as the years have passed, the trophy has understandably experienced wear and tear, with each final taking its toll on the delicate artifact. In recognition of the need to safeguard the cherished trophy from any potential irreparable damage, the Camanachd Association has taken the step to retire it from active competition.
In collaboration with Tulloch Homes, we are delighted to announce that Hamilton & Inches, the prestigious company responsible for crafting the original trophy back in the 1890s, will be commissioned to create a silver replica. This endeavour has been made possible through the generous support of Tulloch Homes, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the legacy of the Camanachd Cup for years to come.
Furthermore, the development of the new trophy has been made possible due to the ongoing partnership work that the Association undertakes with the University of the Highlands & Islands. The University’s Advanced Manufacturing Department have been able to reduce the cost of creating a replica by using 3D scanning to aid the craftspeople in their task of recreating one of sport’s most iconic trophies.
Steven MacKenzie, President of the Camanachd Association, expressed his enthusiasm about the protection of the trophy: “We are thrilled to be taking this significant step to protect the historical Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup. By retiring it to Inverness Castle, we honour the trophy’s legacy and ensure that its story remains alive for generations of shinty players and enthusiasts.”
Fergus Ewing, MSP, Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said:
“Shinty is an integral part of the fabric of Highland life so to have its most prized trophy, the Camanachd Cup, on display at the heart of the Inverness Castle Experience will be of interest to many throughout the Highlands and beyond. I am sure many will be drawn to the new Inverness Castle Experience after it opens in 2025 to see the trophy at first hand and its place in the Highland story.”
Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of the City of Inverness and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, said:
“We are delighted that the Camanachd Association has chosen the Inverness Castle Experience as the permanent home for the Camanachd Cup. As well as safeguarding the future of this unique part of our heritage, it will give an opportunity for people from near and far to share in the exciting story of shinty and its importance to Highland life.”
The relocation of the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup to Inverness Castle will also provide a unique opportunity for visitors and locals alike to witness and learn about the rich history of shinty in Scotland. The exhibition will showcase the trophy and encourage visitors towards ‘Shinty’s Story’ a shinty experience at Bught Park, Inverness which will be opened in 2025.
The official retirement ceremony and unveiling of the trophy’s replica will take place in early 2024 at a date to be confirmed with representatives from the Camanachd Association, Tulloch Homes, and Hamilton & Inches coming together to mark this historic milestone.
Further detail about the Bught Park Development and it’s knock on effects.
The Camanachd Association is excited to share some news with you regarding the Bught Park in Inverness. You may have heard that after the much anticipated 2023 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final, Bught Park is embarking on a journey of transformation. This transformation is made possible by the generous funding secured by the Highland Council from the UK Levelling Up Fund.
A New Chapter Unfolds:
The UK Levelling Up Fund’s investment is set to bring a breath of fresh air to Bught Park. The focus will encompass both the interior refinement and cosmetic enhancements to the stand. And that’s not all – a brand new pitchside pavilion is in the works. This pavilion will incorporate an elegant hospitality suite on its upper level, providing a distinguished setting to relish shinty matches and events. On the ground floor, an immersive “Shinty’s Story” exhibition will come to life. This exhibition will delve deep into the heritage, history, and significance of Scotland’s community sport.
Your Voice Matters:
In the forthcoming weeks, the Camanachd Association will be engaging with all stakeholders to gather insights and preferences. Your thoughts will guide the crafting of “Shinty’s Story” exhibition, ensuring that it resonates with the essence of shinty that means so much to us all.
Aiding the Vision:
The Camanachd Association have been able to secure funding for a dedicated consultant, through HIE, whose support has brought us a step closer to realising “Shinty’s Story” exhibition. The consultant will support the Association to raise the necessary funds to bring this exhibition to life.
We eagerly anticipate the revitilisation of Bught Park and the unfolding of this remarkable new chapter. We can’t wait to share these enhanced shinty experiences with you all.
Event Relocation:
The 2024 cottages.com MacTavish Cup Final, a traditional feature at Bught Park, will take place at The Eilan, Newtonmore, giving another of our member clubs the chance to host one of shinty’s biggest occasions.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final will proceed as planned at An Aird, Fort William.
Buy tickets to see the original Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup being presented for the final time:
To buy tickets for this event please visit our events page: 2023 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final tickets from Skiddle .
