Primary-aged youngsters from Skye, Lochalsh and Lochcarron were in Kyleakin on Saturday (27^th November) to take part in the area’s first indoor shinty competition in almost two years.

Although playing numbers had to be limited, and only coaches and helpers could spectate, the events – held by South Skye junior shinty club for the Jenny MacKenzie shields – proved to be a great success.

Two teams from South Skye were joined by squads from Portree, North Skye, Kyle and Lochcarron for P7 and under and P5 and under competitions.

The teams participated under the banners of clubs, or in association with activities run by the local active schools network.

In the morning’s P7-under competition it was the South Skye Eagles who beat North Skye in the final, while in the P5-and under tournament in the afternoon Lochcarron were the winners after edging South Skye Eagles in the final.

All the players made it a thoroughly enjoyable day with some great games also featuring the teams from Portree, Kyle and the South Skye Vikings.

The P7-under players of the tournament were Charlotte Boswell of Lochcarron and Serkan Tuncay of North Skye, while for the younger age group Lochcarron’s Maura MacKenzie and Bobby Macdermid from Kyle took the individual honours.

The South Skye club would like to place on record their thanks to the coaches and helpers from all the teams and for the input from Active Schools and Katie Drain at the Camanachd Association which helped smooth the way for the competition to take place in accordance with Coronavirus protocols.

Thanks are also due to Skye Camanachd youth players Molly MacKinnon (Shinty Ambassador), Ally Stewart and Catherine Robertson for refereeing, and to the Co-op in Kyle who kindly donated juice and crisps for all the players taking part.