The funding will allow the association to continue to grow the sport at grass roots level, with plans to take the sport into more primary and secondary schools in Scotland.

Louise Martin, of sportscotland said: "Shinty plays an important part in the history and culture of Scottish sport and that has never been more evident than in this, the year of Homecoming.

"sportscotland's investment of £110,000 will allow the Camanachd Association to continue to develop the sport and to provide more young Scots with the opportunity to experience this skilful and exciting sport now and in the future."

Sports Minister Shona Robinson said: "This funding will help ensure that shinty continues to grow in communities across Scotland. I am particularly encouraged to hear that more schools will be showcasing the sport.

"This Government is committed to encouraging children to be active and healthy and I would like to see as many young people as possible getting involved in our traditional Scottish game."

Duncan Cameron, president of the Camanachd Association, welcomed what he described as the continued support from sportscotland.

"We have developed a partnership over many years and the financial support from sportscotland is the foundation on which we develop our game," he said.

The association's plans to raise the profile of the sport were given a welcome boost last month when BBC Scotland confirmed it will continue to carry live coverage of shinty's biggest games for the next four seasons and the recent three year agreement for BBC ALBA to broadcast a further five finals.

The year of Homecoming will see shinty's premier event, the 102nd Camanachd Cup Final, played at Oban.

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