Dicksons of Inverness Shinty World Cup 2025

On Tuesday 30^th September 2025 the Dicksons of Inverness North Shinty World Cup took place at Bught Park, Inverness. This competition was for individual primary schools in the North of Scotland and there was 3 entry categories, these were;

Primary 7 and under competition for established schools

Primary 7 and under competition for emerging schools

Primary 5 and under super 6’s competition

There were 44 teams in attendance on the day and 368 young people taking part, the most since pre-covid times. Eight pitches were set up and were manned by excellent volunteers (referees, score runners and referee mentors). These volunteers, as well as including some fantastic adults, included a group of young people from Charleston Academy who all completed their referees course in advance of this event and were a real credit to their school, clubs and teachers throughout the course of the day.

The P6/7 established section had 2 leagues, with the top 2 from each league progressing to the days semi finals. The P5/4 section and the P7 and under developing sections both had 3 leagues meaning the top team from each section plus the best over all runner up from across the 3 leagues of each age group progressed to the semi finals.

The competition was close in all 3 sections with it coming down to 1 or 2 points to determine who would progress to the next stages.

The Semi Finals were;

Primary 7 Established:	Primary 7 Emerging;	Primary 5 Super 6’s;
BSGP V Kingussie Hilton V  GlenUrquhart	Milton of Leys V BSGLA Inverlochy V Lundavra	Newtonmore V Aviemore Kingussie V BSGP

 

All the semi finals were tightly contested matches with one of them running to extra time, and some fantastic shinty from young players on show.

Progressing to the finals we had;

Primary 7 Established:	Primary 7 Emerging;	Primary 5 Super 6’s;
BSGP V Hilton	Milton of Leys V Lundavra	BSGP V Newtonmore

 

All of the finals were played 6 minutes each way. BSGP took on Hilton in the P6/7 Established Final. This was an entertaining end to end final with both teams having chances and forcing each keeper to make some good saves. As well as this a very skilful battle between Lewis MacPherson of Hilton and Alasdair Tindall from BSGP was taking place in the centre of the pitch.  Nothing could separate these sides (their league match also resulted in a draw) as the final whistle approached so it was 3 minutes extra time each way. BSGP pounced straight from the whistle, with their Captain Lyla Schuman showing some fantastic close skills and scoring the opener to put BSGP up 1-0. Before Hilton could even take a breath BSGP struck once again, this time through Frankie Moore. Hilton continued to battle but couldn’t stop the impressive Lyla from scoring her second and in the last minute of the game Callum Graham bagged their forth. A fantastic advert for shinty between two very good sides.

Lundavra and Milton of Leys played out in the emerging schools final with some fantastic skills by both teams on show. Lundavra were impressive from the get go with some great individual skill and team play from those on the park. Lundavra went 2-1 up with goals from Harrison McKenzie and Joey Stephen but that didn’t stop Milton of Leys looking dangerous and continuing to look for an equaliser, never letting their heads drop. Lundavra kept possession well though and created opportunities until the end, maintaining their 2-1 lead and taking home the salver for 2025.

BSGP and Newtonmore then had a very entertaining game in the P5 and under final, a repeat of last years final game between two very talented teams. BSGP were determined from the start to avenge last years final defeat and started with a bang. The two BSGP Cailean’s (one MacDonald and one Murchison) had been on fine scoring form all day and the final was no different with the two of them bagging all their teams goals within the 12 minute game with some very silky play and extra special finishes. Newtonmore never once gave up though and should be proud of their efforts battling to the end. All players on the park showed fantastic attitudes throughout the course of the days games.

Medals to all finalists were presented by Ronald MacKay – Nissan Sales Manager from Dicksons of Inverness and we are very grateful to him for being there on the day.

Lots of thanks have to go out to individuals, as without a vast number of volunteers and staff this day would not have been able to go ahead.

Firstly to Bught Park staff, especially to Mike and his ground staff for the set up and derig of the pitches and the help leading up to the day. To all our adult referees and mentors for your help and support throughout the day, the young people learned a lot from your support and advice.  As well as this thanks go to all the Inverness Shinty Club volunteers who ran the tea hut throughout the course of the day, to Iain Cochrane who has posted nearly 300 fantastic photos of the day and last but not least a huge thank you has to Maria MacLeod for her logistical support and organisation on the day.

Huge thanks have to go to all the young volunteers from the day who were involved in refereeing and pitch management, all the young people involved from Charleston Academy  and Fortrose Academy were a credit to their schools and clubs showing maturity and responsibility regardless of the job they were given. Without this group of volunteers this event would not have happened, the support they provided was invaluable and the enthusiasm they came with was a bonus.

Lastly but by no means least, to Dicksons of Inverness who have now sponsored this event for a third year in a row, without their support and enthusiasm this would not have been possible.

Thanks to you all.