The Camanachd Association are delighted to announce funding for five new posts, four of which will be recruited with the explicit focus on developing opportunities to get involved in shinty in new areas or areas of potential.

Two posts are specifically focused on growing the game in Nairn and Alness which are new locations for shinty on the periphery of traditional shinty communities. One further post will be recruited in Oban to support important efforts already underway to galvanise participation and help young people back to shinty in the area. A fourth post will also be recruited at a later date focusing on participation in the Central Belt. Each of these posts are part of the Government Kickstart Scheme and designed for young people between the ages of 16 – 24 claiming universal credit and looking for work. Anyone interested in these posts should contact their local job centre work coach for further information.

The fifth post is a full-time post for six months and applications are invited directly to the Camanachd Association National Development Manager. The Regional Development Officer post will be based in Argyll and Bute and the post will focus on supporting clubs in their efforts to restart shinty, on creating new opportunities to engage the wider community and to support the continued effort to provide organised and high-quality experiences in shinty.

Derek Keir, Chief Executive Officer of the Camanachd Association said:

“Our capacity to recruit for these roles is down to the work and effort that our staff, board and sponsors put in to help us overcome the challenges of 2020.

“Our focus throughout our strategic plan has been to grow capacity internally and externally to create opportunities in shinty. Through continued efforts in partnership, we have already secured an additional 37 hours adding one post to our 8 full time positions that existed in 2016 and more recently a further 20-30 hours of resource has been secured for shinty externally. The addition of 137 hours for the next 6 months will be a huge support for all as we work to restart shinty. 

John Finlayson, Highland Councillor commented:

“This latest news to recruit additional staff is great news for the whole shinty community and certainly great news for the north and the areas of Nairn and Alness. As we move out of lockdown these additional posts will not only support the growth of our game but will also support the drive to improve the health, wellbeing and mental health of the young people in our communities.”

Steven MacKenzie, President of the Camanachd Association said:

“We are delighted that we have been able to secure funding for these roles and would like to pay tribute to the Kickstart Scheme, our sponsors and to our funders in Argyll and Bute Council and at sportscotland for their continued support. The new resources will be deployed to areas of potential and provide opportunities for young people throughout Scotland.” 

Roddy McCuish, Camanachd Association Communications & Facilities Director (South) shared the positivity noting:

“This is great news not just for the association but for shinty as a whole and demonstrates the commitment and continuing promotion of our game at all levels. I am excited to see the investment in Argyll and Bute. This will be a great boost to the manty volunteers who put so much work into our sport every week. I look forward to welcoming all successful applicants and working closely with them in my role as Director. Furthermore, the continued partnership working with Argyll and Bute Council is essential to all we do in supporting our national game.”