It plays an important role in bringing people together, strengthening community identity and creating connections across generations. Today, that tradition continues through work to create new opportunities for people across Scotland to get involved in sport and physical activity.
The Camanachd Association is the governing body for shinty, and is delivering a range of programmes and initiatives to increase and broaden participation.
Shinty for Schools
One area of focus has been developing the workforce needed to introduce more young people to the game. Through the Shinty for Schools programme, delivered in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), 95 student teachers will receive training this year to deliver shinty in primary and secondary schools. Since 2023, more than 350 teachers have completed the programme.
Combining practical and theoretical learning, the training gives future teachers the confidence and skills to introduce shinty within school settings. Participants also receive coaching resources to support delivery, helping to create more opportunities for children and young people to be active and engage with Scotland's community sport.
Summer of Sport funding
Alongside workforce development, the sport is working to remove barriers to participation for young people. As part of the 2026 Summer of Sport, the Camanachd Association and Scottish Golf secured funding to provide free opportunities for young people in rural Scotland to experience both sports.
The programme places a particular emphasis on engaging groups who are often underrepresented in sport, including girls, young people facing financial barriers and those who are not currently meeting recommended physical activity levels. It also seeks to strengthen links between schools, clubs and communities while supporting the development of young coaches and volunteers.
Lifelong participation
The commitment to growing participation extends beyond youth sport. In May 2026, the first annual veterans' shinty exhibition match brought together 24 players aged over 45 at Bught Park in Inverness. Created in response to community feedback, the event provided an opportunity for former players to reconnect with the sport, renew friendships and celebrate the enduring connections built through shinty.
The exhibition match forms part of the activity plan for a national heritage project and supports the aims of Shinty Memories Scotland. Positive feedback from players and coaches has highlighted the value of creating opportunities for older adults to remain connected to the sport and their communities, with ambitions to build on the initiative in the years ahead.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how shinty is taking a whole-system approach to participation. By investing in teachers, coaches and volunteers, creating more opportunities for young people to take part, and supporting lifelong engagement in the sport, the Camanachd Association is helping to build stronger and more sustainable sporting communities across Scotland.
