Shinty comes to town for festival

Glenrothes is gearing up for a display of Gaelic sporting grit as the town prepares to host a shinty tournament.

The town is preparing to welcome some of the country’s top young players at a showcase event for the all-action sport more commonly played in the Scottish highlands.

The tournament, which is due to take place at the Lomond Centre on Saturday, will form the centrepiece of Fife’s annual Scots Gaelic Festival, otherwise known as Fèill Fhìobha.

While shinty has deep roots in Gaelic culture, historical records show it has long been played throughout Scotland and more widely across the United Kingdom.

Though it has not been played in Glenrothes for some time, organisers of Fèill Fhìobha say the tournament fits perfectly as part of the festival.

Kirsty Strachan is Gaelic development officer for Fife Council.

She commented: “As a new town, many people think there is not history and heritage in Glenrothes, but facts like the town did have a shinty team often comes as a surprise.

“Having this youth league tournament as part of our festival highlights the heritage of Glenrothes and Fife and demonstrates that there is a real, vibrant, interest in traditional sports and culture.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdour Shinty Club to host this competition and offer this experience to those attending.”