Glasgow Mid Argyll Shinty Club has secured a significant boost for the future of the sport in the city, following the Peterson Park Playing Fields Trust’s successful acquisition of a 25-year lease for the Yoker facility.

The agreement provides long-term security for Glasgow Mid Argyll (GMA), which has been based at Peterson Park for many years, and safeguards access to Glasgow’s only remaining full-size shinty pitch. It also creates opportunities to improve the facilities and strengthen the club’s role within the local community.

The future of Peterson Park had been uncertain since its closure in 2019. In April 2021, Glasgow Life announced that the facility would not reopen for budgetary reasons, presenting a serious challenge for GMA and its fellow principal user, Glasgow Gaels GAA.

Following representations to Glasgow City Council, GMA secured a temporary licence to occupy the site for the 2021 season, subsequently extended into 2022. This provided a crucial lifeline while a longer-term solution was explored through the Council’s People Make Glasgow Communities initiative.

The process brought together GMA, Glasgow Gaels and BSC Glasgow, with the three clubs establishing the Peterson Park Playing Fields Trust SCIO to develop a shared management model. The Trust’s ambition is to create a Centre of Excellence for Traditional Sports in Glasgow, recognising the sporting and cultural heritage of shinty, Gaelic games and football.

Under the new lease, the three anchor clubs will jointly manage the playing fields, changing pavilion and wider grounds, with a focus on grassroots participation, youth development, women’s sport and community events.

For GMA, the agreement represents a particularly important milestone. Established more than a century ago, the club has played a significant role in maintaining shinty’s presence in Glasgow, where access to suitable playing facilities remains essential to the sport’s continued development.

Camanachd Association President Burton Morrison welcomed the announcement, highlighting its importance to the future of shinty in the city: “The Camanachd Association is delighted to receive the news of the success of the Peterson Park Playing Field Trust in securing a 25-year lease of the playing facilities at Yoker. Glasgow Mid Argyll Shinty Club has been in existence for over 100 years and is a highly respected club within the Association. Being in charge of their own pitch is a huge boost for everyone involved.

“Securing the facilities at Yoker is also a milestone in the history of shinty in Glasgow and will provide a lasting legacy for future generations of shinty players and supporters. The Association would like to congratulate GMA and all volunteers who made this happen.”

GMA President Angus MacInnes also recognised the contribution of the volunteers who worked to secure the club’s future at Peterson Park. He highlighted the opportunities the lease presents to improve the facilities, widen access to shinty and strengthen the club’s links with Glasgow’s Gaelic history and culture.

The 25-year agreement provides the Trust with the security of tenure needed to pursue funding opportunities and plan future improvements. With the backing of Glasgow City Council and support from sporting partners, the clubs can now focus on developing the site for the benefit of players and the wider community.

For shinty, the outcome is especially significant. Securing Glasgow’s last full-size pitch offers a firm foundation for the game to continue growing in the city, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to play and connect with a sport that has deep roots in Scotland’s Gaelic heritage.