Meet the Board – John Finlayson

John Finlayson – Communications & Facilities (North)

John has been involved in shinty for over 50 years having started playing when in High School. Other than 5 years when he played for Glasgow University, where he also assumed the role of manager and administrator for the team, the rest of his shinty career was with Skye Camanachd. During his playing career he was lucky enough to win both Sutherland Cup and Camanachd Cup medals and also coached and then managed Skye Camanachd in the 1990’s.

In his previous career as a H.T. he was very involved in supporting youth shinty and sustainable efforts to grow the game in communities across the country. He established a very successful youth pathway in Portree when he was H.T. and  he  was also Chairman of The Isle of Skye Primary School’s Camanachd Association for many years.

John has served as a director for 3 years up to 2020 and during this period was influential in marketing projects such as; obtaining funding to employ a Marketing & Comms Officer, raising the profile of shinty online (both through the website & social media). In addition to this he has supported on many facility developments including the Feasibility Study on the Bught Park, Inverness which is ongoing. He also believes strongly that the work of the Board needs to revolve around a strong team ethos and an empowerment agenda and good communication with clubs. While giving the keynote speech at a Sport Scotland regional event last year he said, “Shinty belongs to clubs and communities and the Board is there to offer advice and support to shape a sustainable and strategic direction for our beloved sport.”