Lachie gets the big one

A MID Argyll man is to referee shinty’s blue riband final.

The Camanachd Association has selected Lachie Wood from Lochgilphead to officiate at the 2017 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup final between Lovat and Newtonmore.

In his playing days, Lachie turned out for Kilmory, Glasgow Mid Argyll and Oban Celtic. Following a spell as coach/manager of Kilmory, Lachie took up refereeing in 2012, and has steadily progressed through the grades - officiating at Grade One level for the past three years.

Lachie, who is married with two sons, is employed by Argyll Community Housing Association as a planned maintenance manager.

Taken charge

Since taking up refereeing, Lachie has taken charge of the Bullough Cup Final in 2013, the Balliemore and Valerie Fraser Cup Finals in 2014 as well as the 2015 Macaulay Cup Final. He refereed the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final in 2014 and 2017.

Angus MacVicar, Camanachd Association officials director, said: ‘Lachie’s approach to the game has gained him respect from players, coaches, spectators and fellow officials.

‘His tight control of players during matches makes him an ideal candidate for taking charge of shinty’s most prestigious final and I wish him all the best.’

Great honour

‘I am delighted to be chosen to referee the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup final,’ said Lachie. ‘It is a great honour and I am very much looking forward to what should be a great match.’

Supporting Lachie on the big day will be John Angus Gillies as fourth official, Willie MacDonald and Calum Girvan as goal judges and Brian MacKay, Andy MacLean, Martin MacLean and Scott McNeil as linesmen.

The Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup final will be played on Saturday September 30 at the Bught Park in Inverness.

Camanachd Cup final referee Lachie Wood.