Thurdsay 26th January saw Beauly Shinty Club host its first Shinty Memories meeting of 2023

27 People attended the meeting and apologies were intimated from Iain Campbell, John Cranston, Hugh Grant, Gerry Grant, Reggie Mackenzie, Alistair Macrae and Alan Simpson.

A welcome was given to all visitors on entering the clubhouse by Donnie Maclennan and Brian Mellis. It was great to have visitors from our neighbouring clubs Alastair Chisholm (Inverness/Boleskine), Finlay Macrae (Lovat)and David MacMaster (Caberfeidh)(Chairman Shinty Memories North Group).

A large display of photographs and memorabilia within the clubhouse were enjoyed by all and caused great discussion among all attendees.

Our Guest Speaker was the legend that is John Mackenzie from Newtonmore. John is the Shinty Memories Scotland Ambassador and Camanachd Association Chieftain.

The Shinty Memories Scotland Project ideals were very eloquently outlined by John and he hoped the Beauly Club would progress their involvement in the project. The use of archive photos and access to other resources from Memories Scotland could be used in our community to help people with dementia and living in other difficult circumstances such as isolation, depression and loneliness. The work carried out by the club will also contribute towards creating a local and national shinty archive.

A vote of thanks was given to all for attending and especially to the ladies who provided the excellent tea, coffee and home baking. (Tina Maclennan, Mina Mackay, Beth Mellis and Doreen Polson) Special thanks to Brian (Mellis) for all his help and input to making the event the success it was on the day.

By Donnie Maclennan (Clechan)