Rockfield and Portree Gaelic School victorious at National First Shinty Finals 2026

The Ferguson Transport and Shipping National finals brought together over 150 of the best young players from across Scotland all vying for the coveted National P5 and P7 titles.

The P7 & Under tournament was played at the Nevis centre, Fort William. The standard of play throughout the day was of the highest order with all the 10 teams giving a great account of themselves.

Section A saw the impressive Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh (BSGP) top the group on maximum points with the talented Tighnabruaich Primary three points behind, claiming the runners-up spot.  Section B was equally competitive, with the classy Rockfield Primary School topping the group on 8 points, with the skilful Hilton Primary School two points back on 6 points.

The first semi-final saw BSGP take on Hilton Primary in what can only be described as one of the best games of the day with BSGP edging out Hilton Primary 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

The second semi-final saw a clash of the south teams with Section B winners Rockfield Primary School take on Tighnabruaich Primary with the holders Rockfield proving too strong running out 5-2 winners to reach the final for the second year in a row.

The final between BSGP and Rockfield Primary started at a frantic pace with play raging from end to end, with the standard of play of the highest order. It was Portree Gaelic who struck first, with their goal coming from the impressive Lila Schuman. Rockfield quicky equalised just before halftime with a well taken goal. Rockfield, driven on by the excellent Arthur Handley proved too strong in the second half against the talented young Portree team, with Rockfield running out deserved 4-1 winners, to win the P7 & Under National First Shinty Championships 2026.

Michael Oliver of tournament sponsors Ferguson Transport and Shipping presented the trophy and medals to all the players.

The P5 & Under competition took place at Lochaber High School and the large crowd, filled with travelling parents and family members was entertained with an afternoon of fantastic shinty.

Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh (BSGP) and Aberdour Primary qualified from the competitive Group A pooling, the game between themselves saw both schools chasing the top spot in the group with BSGP edging the group game 1-0 after some excellent play from both sets of players.

Both Tomnacross Primary and Park Primary were battling for first and second spot in Group B, having drawn their group game both teams were under pressure to win the remainder of their games for the groups top spot. Park ended up group winners with 7 points closely followed by Tomnacross on 6 meaning both schools made it to the semi final stage.

The first P5 and under Semi Final was between Aberdour and Park. Some skilful play was on show from both sets of players. Both teams had their chances but couldn’t quite convert anything. It looked like this game was heading to extra time, however, just before the final whistle Park took the lead with a strong shot which was deflected into the net, giving the Oban school the victory and their spot in this year’s final.

The second Semi Final saw BSGP take on Tomnacross. BSGP came out firing and took the lead quickly with some skilful play. Tomnacross continued to battle hard, never giving up but BSGP really came alive in this game with passing and shooting well beyond their year ran out comfortable winners.

From throw up in the final, Park and BSGP demonstrated impressive physicality, battling hard and challenging every ball. The standard of shinty on display was excellent with quick passing, confident striking and strong defending. BSGP’s early pressure and momentum paid off getting a 2-0 lead before halftime, with goals from Reece MacVicar and Cailean Murchison. In the second half, Park responded with renewed energy and determination. They broke through the BSGP defence to score a well-taken goal by Sam Mason, narrowing the score to 2-1. As the clock ticked down, the intensity increased, with play going from end to end. Just moments before the final whistle, Park were awarded a penalty. The BSGP goalkeeper rose to the occasion, saving the ball, denying park the equaliser. Shortly after, the final whistle blew confirming BSGP as P5 & Under National First Shinty Champions 2026.

Sandra Gibb of tournament sponsors Ferguson Transport and Shipping presented the trophy and medals to all the players.