Andrew Grant McKenzie is one of our new referees this year and will be taking charge of the Corrie Construction MacKay Cup Final.

Andrew said: “Having turned up to a shinty coaching course with Ronald Ross before the season began, he and Derek Keir refused to allow me to go home until I’d agreed to “think” about being a shinty referee… Within weeks I was out on the pitch alone with just a whistle and a set of cards to protect me. The support I’ve received all season from the players, clubs and officials throughout the Camanachd community this season has been phenomenal. To be asked to referee the MacKay Cup Final, which will be a moment of pride for the players in future years, whatever they go on to, is a genuine honour. The history of this game is what drives me, and like young players before them, for hundreds of years; the teams this Saturday will be adding to their experiences and honing a true art that will reward them in life for years to come.”

Willie has been involved in Shinty for most of his life.

A native of Ballachulish he played for the Primary School  before  eventually progressing to the Ballachulish senior team at the age of 13.

At the age of 24 Willie moved to play for Fort William, who had just been promoted to North Division 1 in the days before the Premier league had been established. During this time he enjoyed great  success winning all Senior trophies available – his finest moment being the 1992 Camanachd Final in Glasgow when Fort William defeated Kingussie 1-0 to win the ‘Camanachd’ for the first time in their history, he also won the Albert Smith medal that day. International honours arrived in 1993 when he was in the winning team against Ireland at the Bught  Park, a few years later he captained Scotland against Ireland in Fort William.

Willie said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to referee the cottages.com MacTavish Cup Final this weekend. I wish all the best to both teams as they take to the field determined to etch their name into the history books. I would like to pay tribute to my extended team of officials for the weekend who will no doubt aid me in my duties and I look forward to a hard fought but fair contest between two good sides.”