Willie MacDonald confirmed as President-Elect of the Camanachd Association

Willie MacDonald has been confirmed as the President-Elect of the Camanachd Association, with the impending completion of Burton Morrison’s three-year term as President.

Having dedicated much of his life to shinty as a player, coach, referee and volunteer, Willie brings a wealth of experience from every level of the game. His extensive involvement across grassroots and senior shinty, combined with his service on the Association’s Board, has given him a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing clubs and the wider sport. As President-Elect, Willie is committed to supporting the continued growth and development of shinty while championing the volunteers, players, coaches and officials who are at the heart of the game.

About Willie MacDonald

Willie has been involved in shinty for most of his life. A native of Ballachulish, he made his debut for the senior team at just 13 years of age. At 24, he moved to Fort William, who had recently been promoted to North Division One before the establishment of the Premiership.

During his playing career, Willie enjoyed remarkable success, winning every senior honour available. His finest moment came in the 1992 Camanachd Cup Final in Glasgow, where Fort William defeated Kingussie 1–0 to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history. His performance earned him the Albert Smith Medal.

International recognition followed in 1993 when he represented Scotland in victory over Ireland at the Bught Park, before later captaining the national side against Ireland in Fort William.

Following his playing career, Willie turned his attention to coaching, working with players of all ages from primary school pupils at Inverlochy through to Fort William’s senior squad. He spent eight years coaching at Inverlochy Primary School, guiding a group of players from Primary 1 through to Primary 7. The team enjoyed outstanding success, including winning the MacKay Cup in 2017 and 2018, while several players progressed into the Fort William senior side.

One of the Association’s most respected referees, Willie has officiated at many major finals, including the 2024 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final. In 2025 he was ratified as Vice-President of the Camanachd Association, and now prepares to succeed to the presidency following Burton Morrison’s successful three-year term leading the organisation.

Willie said: “I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to be the next President of the Camanachd Association.

I have been involved in the sport of Shinty since a young age and feel I have gained valuable experience throughout my career in various roles which I feel can only be to the benefit of shinty.

Having been a board member for 8 years in total and working alongside past presidents such as John MacKenzie and Keith Loades to name a few and current President Burton Morrison I feel very privileged to become the President-Elect of the Camanachd Association.”