Terry Stebbings, co-founder and Director of Proterra Energy, was delighted to answer the call from his old Aberdeen University team-mate, Steven MacKenzie, to support university shinty. Steven, past-President and now chair of the Culture & Heritage committee, discovered that the unique medals awarded for the Littlejohn Vase, the Scottish University Championship, had ceased to be awarded.  Steven had previously rescued the medals in 2011 but as the cost of the bespoke medals increased a less expensive alternative was pursued. Determined to protect an important part of shinty’s heritage Steven worked with Inverness Trophy Centre and arranged for a copy of the original design to be made.  He also knew someone else who would be interested in protecting the Littlejohn competition.

Terry takes up the story and explains that he was only too happy to get involved:

From a personal perspective, as a former Aberdeen University Camanachd Captain and AU Alumni it was important to me to ensure that the Littlejohn was provided for, and to help safeguard the heritage side of the competition and the bequeathment.

Proterra Energy realises the importance of Shinty to many of the communities we serve.  The opportunity to support University Shinty, and some of the players from these communities as they continue their education is a privilege.   These competitions also provide a chance for new participants to compete and continue their journey in Shinty, increasing their awareness of the sport, and perhaps in time, even the areas of Scotland that play it.

The new Littlejohn medals will be awarded in season 2025. Terry was also keen to go further and a McCue and Porter medal for the Women’s University Champions has been designed and will be awarded from 2026.

Steven thanked Terry and Proterra Energy for their support. Steven said:

University shinty is a fantastic gateway for introducing people from outwith the shinty playing areas to our sport. The Littlejohn Competition has an amazing story to tell with the Vase, Album and medals an incredibly colourful part of shinty’s tapestry. The competition played a significant role in Terry’s journey through shinty and he has always been an enthusiastic advocate for the competition. On behalf of the Camanachd Association and the shinty-playing university community I’d like to thank Terry and Proterra Energy for their support.

The Littlejohn Tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1905, when Alexander Littlejohn, an Aberdonian Londoner and enthusiast, presented the first trophy to encourage the sport among Scotland’s universities. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of student shinty, attracting the finest players from across Scotland’s academic institutions. The addition of the McCue & Porter Tournament marked an important step in the development of women’s university shinty, offering parity and recognition for female players at the university level.