Skye confirmed as venue for shinty’s 2011 Balliemore Cup Final
The Camanachd Association and Skye Camanachd are delighted to confirm the 2011 Balliemore Cup Final, between Bute and Caberfeidh, will be played on Saturday 23rd July at Pairc nan Laoch in Portree on the Isle of Skye as part of this year’s national celebration of Scotland’s Islands.
Skye Camanachd was established in 1892 and is recognised as one of the biggest names in shinty. Taking the Cup Final to Skye celebrates the important role Scotland’s indigenous game has played in the sporting and cultural life of the island over many decades.
Ross Cowie, Chairman of Skye Camanachd, said, “We are delighted to be hosting the 2011 Balliemore Cup Final and everybody at the Club is working hard to ensure the pitch is in tip-top condition. Shinty is hugely popular in Skye and we look forward to welcoming the players and supporters of Bute and Caberfeidh, plus residents and visitors from across the island, to Pairc nan Laoch for great day of top-class shinty action”.
Archie Robertson, President of The Camanachd Association, said, “Pairc nan Laoch is an excellent venue for the Cup Final and I’m sure Skye Camanachd will be very welcoming hosts. For more than a century shinty has played an important part in the life of many people living on Skye and we are very pleased the team at Scotland’s Islands have supported us in taking the event to Skye in 2011”.
Murdo Mackay, project leader for Scotland’s Islands said, “We are delighted to be working with The Camanachd Association and Skye Camanachd to help celebrate shinty’s place in the culture and history of the Skye. The 2011 Balliemore Cup Final is a welcome addition to the Scotland’s Islands celebration and joins an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and conferences showcasing the opportunity, diversity and excitement of island life, running from April 2011 to end of March 2012”.
The Balliemore Cup Final is one of the flagship events for Scotland’s Islands, a yearlong calendar of over 140 events taking place across 42 islands. Led by a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities, the year of Scotland’s Islands aims to raise the profile of the islands across the UK and internationally, attract more visitors, bolster economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations. Other supporters include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, European Regional Development Fund, VisitScotland and Awards for All.
Tickets for the 2011 Balliemore Cup Final in Skye can be bought at the ground on the day from 1pm. Throw-up is at 2.30pm.
Ends