Lovat Ladies and Scotland star Laura Gallacher, Millbank Primary pupil Tobias Keir and former Scotland men’s captain and Kinlochshiel player Finlay MacRae model the 2020 “ALBA” Scotland kit. Photo: Mowi / Camanachd Association.

Mowi sticking with shinty once again

Mowi Scotland has signed a new three-year deal as title sponsor of the Camanachd Association which will extend the salmon farmer’s support of shinty to 37 years.

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The company’s processing and logistics director, Ewan MacColl, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Camanachd Association.

“Shinty is so important to communities throughout the Highlands where we have a presence. It promotes the health and wellbeing of so many young people and brings communities together, especially on match days.

“We are proud to support shinty and the work of the Camanachd Association.”

Ewan MacColl: "Shinty is so important to communities throughout the Highlands where we have a presence."

Title sponsor

The sponsorship deal will see Mowi continue as title sponsor of the senior leagues; youth leagues; National Shinty Awards; the Scotland v Ireland shinty/hurling international match; senior Scotland national squad; senior Scotland under 21 squad and the Mowi Youth Development Fund.

Derek Keir, chief executive of the Camanachd Association, which runs the sport, said: “Over the past five years participation in shinty has increased significantly.

“The support from Mowi provides vital pathways in participation and in performance for our members across Scotland to compete at a level appropriate to their interests and capability.

“The opportunity to compete as part of a team, to stay active and play an active role in your local community are elements of modern society that promote togetherness and community. In the modern era and in rural parts of Scotland this outlet and opportunity to connect and reduce isolation is something we value greatly, and we thank Mowi for their support to allow us to do this with our clubs and members.”

Keith Loades: Proud of new deal.

Huge benefits

Association president Keith Loades said: “The Camanachd Association is very lucky to have some fantastic sponsors such as Mowi who recognise the huge benefits that shinty brings to communities across Scotland. A new season is upon us and it is with great pride that we walk into it having signed this three-year deal with Mowi Scotland.”

The first matches of the Mowi Premiership will be played on Saturday.

As part of the Camanachd Association’s work to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing all throw ups will take place at 2.31pm, rather than the usual 2.30.

Whereas such delays are often used for a minute’s silence to remember those who have died, in this case the extra minute is to be used as a cue for conversation about the often-taboo subject of mental health.

The minute is intended to bring mental health to the forefront of the conversation and the Camanachd Association hopes that all of its members will use the time to check in with one another and listen to any issues people may have.