Strathspey Camanachd Club had there bid to gain senior shinty status officially accepted by the Camanachd Association after months of waiting.

They will play in North 3 and their first senior shinty season comes only a little over a year after the club was launched at the start of last year.

A delighted club captain Lawrence Belleni said: "This is the first time a senior shinty club from Strathspey has existed in around 60 years.

"It is a great achievement produced by all the hard work put in by the committee members and dedicated members of the club."

Lewis Camanachd (Camanachd Ledhas) have also gained approval this year after having to endure a trial year, whilst Ardnamurchan have left North 3 to join South 2.

Strathspey's home games will be played at the new Freuchie Park just past the West Lodge on the road to Castle Grant on the outskirts of Grantown.

Their pre-season friendlies include Kingussie this Saturday, although the venue was yet to be confirmed as the Strathy went to press.

They will then be away to Caberfeidh on February 18 at Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, and home to Ballachulish (at either Freuchie Park or Kincraig) on February 25.

Belleni said: "More local support would be extremely welcome and we'd love to see some new faces for our friendlies and the rest of the season."

He added: "A special thanks must go to Robert Macdonald of Castle Grant farm for granting us permission to play on his land."