Shinty sponsors give backing to ‘phantom’ cup final

Although the pandemic means shinty’s Blue Riband event, the Camanachd Cup Final, will not be played as scheduled on September 19, sponsors Tulloch Homes have offered significant support to the game’s governing body.

The Inverness-based company is to donate its sponsorship fee despite the competition not being played as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tulloch Homes has missed out on the marketing opportunity via live BBC TV coverage of the semi finals and finals. But George Fraser, chief executive officer of the Highlands’ largest housebuilder, revealed: ‘We want to show our support for the sport and the Camanachd Association at an extremely difficult time.

‘It’s tough for the association’s budget with such reduced income, so I spoke to our chairman Tom Allison, who is also a director of Celtic FC, and he gave the go-ahead to finance a competition which hasn’t happened.

‘We’ve had reduced income ourselves, only re-opening two months ago, but feel it is important to stand by shinty. We now look forward to sponsoring the 125th anniversary Camanachd Cup final at Kingussie in a year and for the following two seasons.’

‘Camanachd Association president Keith Loades stressed the body’s gratitude.

‘It’s a hugely valuable financial and morale boost after such a terrible year,’ he said.

‘Tulloch’s decision will be widely appreciated throughout the shinty strongholds. It proves they are a true friend of the game and the funding will help us deliver our programme of support to clubs.

‘George Fraser was one of the most successful shinty players, and an old opponent of mine, which makes this backing all the more satisfying.

‘It helps underpin the game’s future.’