Mark, it’s Kinlochshiel in the HIS Sutherland Cup final – how is the mood in the squad ahead of the game?

The mood within the squad is great at the moment. Everyone is fit and focused ahead Saturdays game. 

Fort William are in with a strong chance of a treble – how big a testament is this to the work put in by all at the club?

Nothing can be achieved within the sport without the hard work that goes on in the background from everyone. No Fort William reserve team has completed the treble before, so obviously it would be a fantastic achievement, but we take it one step at a time and right now our focus is on Saturday’s game.

It was an extremely close match in the Strathdearn Final – how was the feeling when the full time whistle went?

The Strathdearn final was a very tough game going to extra time. Having senior players that have experience playing in previous finals that have went the distance before was key in keeping the boys motivated not to give up and to keep pushing to win by two goals in extra time. Skye were a hard team to overcome and we expect nothing less from Kinlochshiel in the coming match – but the team have had a taste of success and are hungry for more.

How big an honour has it been to lead the squad in such a successful period?

It has been a fantastic honour to captain the team in an already successful season but it will be extra special come Saturday. Having played in our last successful Sutherland final in 2009 I know how great a feeling it is to win this trophy – but to captain the team to a victory on Saturday would be a standout moment in my shinty career.

Scott McNeil has so much experience in the game – how important is his management?

Scott is a natural leader with a wealth of experience outfield and in goals. He’s the only players in history to have won every senior medal in shinty, having completed all the north trophies with Fort William, as well as a spell at Oban Camanachd where he completed the south ones. But it’s important to also mention assistant coach/player Bryan Simpson, who has also played a pivotal role on and off the pitch – so what better men to have driving us forward this season! Their dedication to helping the players improve individually and as a team each week has been key to our success so far this season.