What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?
I first got involved with shinty through our active schools coordinator. She put on a girls shinty session and I loved it. I don’t remember the first time I picked up a stick but it would have been late primary school. I joined the Badenoch ladies team around 2013 so that’s when I properly started playing.

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

I’ve had so many moments I’ve loved but my proudest moment would probably be returning from ACL reconstruction to win player of the match in the Valerie Fraser cup final. Captaining the Scotland squad this year was a close second.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

There’s obviously the physical side of it that keeps you fit but it’s also influenced how I’ve developed confidence, resilience and leadership. Being part of a team creates a huge support network and of my closest friends are through shinty.

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
I would say go along and have a go, we all started as a beginner at some point. I’ve had some of the best times through shinty!

What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?

Shinty is a big part of our family lives, my 2 brothers, Steven D’D and Marty and sister Karen spent many an hour knocking lumps out of one another on our wee pitch at Balmaglaster, as kids, as we grew up playing, our Dad, Ewen coached us, our Mum, Catherine was Club Secretary and played in goals when our Women’s team was first established. I don’t remember when I first picked up a caman, I just remember always playing shinty!

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

I am fortunate enough to have achieved a lot, both in playing & coaching and now refereeing but I think I am proudest about achieving all this with my family, playing with my sister, being coached and supported by our parents and I think winning the first ever Womens Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup was a pretty special moment.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

I think, like so many people involved in shinty, it’s not just a hobby or pastime, it’s intrinsic to my life, my friends and family are involved in shinty, in many ways our club is a community within our community.

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
To look at role models in the sport and remember that they were nervous at some point too and look what they have gone on to achieve.

What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?

I started playing shinty when I went to Glasgow University in 2017. The shinty club was a big part of my experience at uni and, having initially just joined to try something new, I soon found myself becoming a big part of the club. I loved being part of the team and the friendships that came with it, and I think without those teammates I probably wouldn’t still be playing today. Around COVID-time I joined GMA and have continued playing club shinty ever since.

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

One of my proudest moments was playing against Glasgow University with GMA in this year’s Mod Cup. It was quite an emotional occasion for me – seeing two full 12-a-side teams out on the pitch, representing my old club and my current one. Having seen how much work has gone into growing women’s shinty in Glasgow over the years, it felt really special to see it all come together like that. Women’s shinty in Glasgow is in a strong place and it’s only going to get better. It was brilliant to be part of a day where we could all enjoy playing together and see so many familiar faces.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

It’s a real privilege to play alongside so many strong and powerful women. I find it so inspiring watching us learn to use our bodies, push ourselves and grow together. I’m constantly in awe of my teammates and what they bring to the sport. I’m also extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be a role model to the younger girls coming through. It’s incredible to think how amazing they will be in the future, and I’m proud to play my part in helping them develop and reach their goals.

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
Just give it a go! You don’t need to have played before or know what you’re doing when you start. I hadn’t picked up a shinty stick until I was 17, so it’s never too late to get involved. I think you get out of shinty what you put into it, whether that’s the time you give to training, the effort you put into improving or the friendships you build along the way. You might just find that it becomes a huge part of your life – like it has for me.

What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?

I grew up in a shinty family and had always grown up watching col glen games every weekend. I’ve been playing shinty for as long as I can remember but properly joined a team when I was 5.

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

My proudest moment would probably be winning one of the cups this season-the single team cup or challenge cup, or getting selected for the South under 14s squad last year.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

Shinty has definitely impacted me for the better over the years. It’s helped build my confidence and taught me to work hard and work well in a team.

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
I’d say to just go for it and try it out. Not only is shinty a great sport to keep fit but playing shinty is a great way to socialise and make amazing friendships.

What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?

My dad introduced me to shinty. He was playing for Kingussie at the time and was always keen for us to play. I think I would have been about 2 or 3 years old when I first held a caman!

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

My proudest moment would have to be winning the treble with the Badenoch girls this year! It was a full season of hard work and having each other’s backs.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
Don’t overthink it – just come along and have fun!

What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?

Honestly, I can’t remember the first time I picked up a caman! My parents were both very involved in shinty, and I played a little in Primary School, however I really started in P7, when my mum started playing.

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

I’ve been exceptionally lucky to have had plenty of opportunities through shinty, but highlights would have to be winning the Challenge Cup playing alongside Mum, getting the call for my first cap, and being the first girl to be awarded Blues for shinty from Glasgow University.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

Shinty has played a massive part in my life, from the opportunity to travel to all sorts of places. It gave me the confidence and network to move across the country and still feel like I’d a place in the community. The friendships I’ve formed through shinty are some of the best, and being surrounded by an incredible group of girls in the team is constant motivation to be the best version of myself on and off the pitch.

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
There’s absolutely nothing to be scared of – everyone started somewhere and was once nervous to go along to their first session! The pathways that exist now really do provide opportunities to get involved, regardless of your experience!

What got you into playing shinty? Do you remember the first time you picked up a caman?

I grew up with my cousins and brother playing! I first played myself in primary school when Jenny Mackenzie from Kyleakin invited me to play as part of a girls team in a tournament. I properly got into playing when I started high school, before progressing to competitive shinty when Kinlochshiel Ladies formed.

What has been your proudest moment in shinty so far?

Reaching the Valerie Fraser Final with Kinlochshiel this year has definitely been a highlight. It’s been fantastic to see the team develop and grow from strength to strength throughout the season. On a personal level, being able to return and play this season following a knee injury has made it even more special.

How has the sport impacted and shaped you today?

Shinty has given me so many opportunities to grow in confidence, build lasting friendships and create some amazing memories and experiences. It has been a huge part of my life and has opened up opportunities that I might not otherwise have had.

What would you say to a girl who wants to play shinty but feels nervous about starting?
Just give it a go! Shinty is so much more than just a game. It’s a great way to meet new people, challenge yourself and be part of a team.