A new development of shinty is beginning to grow in Angus, with shinty being delivered by Angus Active Schools to local primaries in the Arbroath, Carnoustie and Forfar Clusters.

Recently, Gaelic medium pupils at Whitehills Primary in Forfar enjoyed sessions, along with Monikie and Carlogie primary pupils, getting a taster for the sport.

The main hub of activity has been in the Arbroath High School cluster where rural primary school, Colliston, has really taken to the sport since it was introduced in November 2023. A weekly lunchtime club during school year 2023/24, grew from strength to strength and was home to the pilot summer term evening sessions, under the ‘Angus Gael Force’ banner.

The Arbroath High School S1 multi sports club have been participating in shinty as well, with the aim for a school team in the future, if the primary activities can be cultivated further. Arbirlot Primary and Carmyllie Primary have also enjoyed the sport with asks for the Active Schools team to share the equipment in town schools as well.

Angus Active Schools Coordinator for the Arbroath West Cluster, Iain Stewart, said: “The growing demand and excitement for shinty to be delivered throughout schools in Angus puts a demand on the limited equipment and coaching workforce available. All help to expand these resources is welcomed. This first term of school year 2024/2025 will see a weekly evening Angus Gael Force First Shinty session, in partnership with Angus Active Schools, starting indoors at a local primary hall for children from across coastal and inland Angus to take part in. This Angus wide approach is encompassed in the Angus Gael Force Shinty motto ‘Fae Glen Tae Sea’ and the vision is to have localised sessions to minimise travel and then in time come together as Angus for tournaments and events.”

Through support from Camanachd Association Development Officer, Alaina MacLennan, Angus had it’s first CPD delivered to Active School Coordinators, Angus School Staff and student volunteers this week. On completing the training, a brand-new coaching resource pack was provided to attendees which includes drill cards and skill videos to support them in their delivery.