Shinty working hard on coronavirus crisis
Shinty’s top official says the sport is working to come to terms with the financial and wider impact of the coronavirus lockdown, writes Colin Cameron.
The summer shinty season began in early march, but just a single match was played for most clubs before competition was suspended ahead of the lockdown on March 23.
In a message sent round clubs, Camanachd Association chief executive Derek Keir paid tribute to staff, committees and association directors for the ‘incredible support they have provided during this time’.
In common with many other sports, shinty faces financial challenges around commercial income, gate money, television income and membership fees.
Staff at the Inverness-based governing body are working from home and options have been explored to reduce costs.
Mr Keir also revealed the association’s finance committee has agreed the organisation should access government support where appropriate.
He added: ‘Six members of staff are already funded by the Scottish Government and are therefore not eligible for additional government support. The remaining three have been offered and accepted to be furloughed to support the efforts to protect our sport.’
The Camanachd Association, said Mr Keir, is ‘still very much operational’ and is looking to understand the needs of member clubs in the present situation.
To assist clubs and ensure income is maintained, the association is also ‘exploring creative solutions’ for subscriptions.
Mr Keir concluded: ‘In common with all other sports we cannot predict when it will be safe to resume playing matches.
‘We are discussing various options based on assumed start dates. We will make every endeavour to make the best use of any time available.
‘Please be assured we will be working hard and acting in the best interests of our sport, clubs and members.’