The Sutherland Cup is a national cup competition for junior shinty sides, and is the equivalent of the Camanachd Cup for sides competing in the lower divisions. The trophy is named after Sir William Sutherland MP, who donated the trophy in 1922 to allow junior sides to compete in a national competition.
The first final in 1923 saw Newtonmore defeat Bute 3-2 to become the maiden Sutherland cup winners. 100 years later, Newtonmore Reserves saw off Skye to lift their record 16th title at Blairbeg Park in Drumnadrochit. The current holders are Fort William Reserves, who regained the title for the first time since 2009 as they defeated Kinlochshiel in an epic 6-4 final that went to extra time. Kingussie and Kyles Athletic both have 10 wins, whilst Lochside Rovers have triumphed on 8 occasions.
The 2023 competition saw the introduction of a Player of the Match trophy, kindly donated by Dr. Hugh Dan MacLennan.
This trophy, the equivalent of the Albert Smith Medal was purchased by Dr MacLennan, which was modernised with an enhanced base and silver bands added by Roddie MacLennan of Aird Artisans, dates back to 1905. Whilst it is unknown when this trophy was competed for, it is believed that this may have been presented in the 1920’s in Argyll, or possibly even be the third Sutherland Cup. Glen MacKintosh of Newtonmore was the first MoTM to have their named engraved on the trophy, whilst the current holder is Jay MacRae of Kinlochshiel.
The Sutherland Cup is sponsored by Highland Industrial Supplies.
