Iconic Camanachd Cup Handed Over to Its New Home at Inverness Castle

The Camanachd Association is proud to announce that the historic Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup was officially handed over today, Thursday, 5th September, to colleagues from The Highland Council and High Life Highland. The trophy will now be handed over to the Inverness Castle Experience, where it will be preserved and celebrated as a key part of Scotland’s sporting heritage.

For 128 years, the Camanachd Cup has been the pinnacle of excellence within the shinty community, representing the dedication, skill, and passion of countless teams who have competed for this prestigious title. As the years have passed, the trophy has naturally shown signs of wear, leading to the significant decision to retire it from active competition to protect it from further damage.

Inverness Castle Experience will serve as the permanent home for the Camanachd Cup, ensuring its legacy is safeguarded for future generations. This move reflects a deep respect for the trophy’s rich history and the role it plays in the fabric of Highland life.

To maintain the tradition of the Camanachd Cup, Hamilton & Inches, the original crafters of the trophy, were commissioned to create a silver replica which will be lifted by the winners of the 2024 final on 21st September in Fort William.

Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association, stated: “We are delighted to take this important step in preserving the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup. By retiring it to Inverness Castle, we honour its legacy and ensure that its story continues to inspire shinty players and enthusiasts for years to come.”

The trophy’s placement at the Inverness Castle Experience is part of a broader initiative to celebrate the history and cultural significance of shinty. It will be a focal point for visitors, offering insight into the sport’s impact on the Highlands and beyond. This exhibition will also serve as a gateway to the upcoming “Shinty’s Story – Sgeul na Camanachd” exhibition, set to open at Bught Park in 2025.

Malcolm Macleod, Assistant Chief Executive (Place) at The Highland Council said: “Today marks a historic occasion as we receive the Camanachd Cup, soon to take its permanent home within the Inverness Castle Experience next year. This significant addition not only preserves a vital part of our sporting heritage but also celebrates the enduring legacy of shinty within the Highlands.”

Michael Golding, Chair of the High Life Highland Board of Directors added, “I am proud to be part of this historic handover. Our deepest thanks go to the Camanachd Association for entrusting this 128-year-old treasure into the care of the Castle team. Together, we will ensure that the story of shinty and its importance to our communities continues to inspire all who walk through the doors, preserving this proud tradition for generations to come.”

As we prepare to celebrate this historic milestone, the Camanachd Association is eager to hear from the shinty community about other prominent objects that could be included in this exhibition. If you have suggestions or items of significance to contribute, please contact aarron.macleod@shinty.com.

Tickets for the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final between Lovat at Kingussie on the 21st September in Fort William are available at www.shinty.com/tickets.

A BBC feature on the new Camanachd Cup’s creation is available to watch below: