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New trail dedicated to shinty in Badenoch is launched





Newtonmore and Kingussie have been the dominant foroces in shinty since the sport became an organised game.
Newtonmore and Kingussie have been the dominant foroces in shinty since the sport became an organised game.

The importance of shinty to its Badenoch heartland is being underlined with the launch of a new local trail for the sport.

The new online resource is encouraging people to get out and explore cultural landmarks associated with the game.

The Shinty Trail has been developed by the Cairngorms National Park Authority with funding support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and tells the story of shinty in Badenoch which is of course home to the two giants of the game – Kingussie and Newtonmore.

With support from a variety of sources, Bruce MacDonald – the CNPA’s Gaelic intern – has brought the trail to life.

He explained: “The Shinty Trail is an online, storytelling experience covering 30 key heritage sites, spanning from Laggan to Kincraig, where the aim is to convey the significance of the sport to the heritage and culture of Badenoch, as well as its deep-rooted relationship with many other aspects of traditional Highland culture such as the Gaelic language.

“Over the course of this journey, the origins of shinty and the development of the modern game can be explored, as well as the history of key teams in the area, both past and present.

"There is also the opportunity to experience important aspects of Badenoch’s past such as the Clan Macpherson, emigration, war, and early tourism.

“For visitors, the trail directs them to some of the key heritage sites and resources in the area, where further information and experiences to engage with can then be found.

"For local residents, the trail is a celebration of an ancient game which has been at the heart of communities throughout Badenoch going back centuries.

"And for those who are new to shinty, the story-map provides an insightful, visual guide into the history of the sport."

Mr MacDonald added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed researching and developing this resource, where there is much yet to be explored – hopefully this is something we can continue to build upon in future.”

The Shinty Trail also illustrates the strong ties which the Gaelic language has within the history of the sport.

Gaelic song and verse was often composed about the game, where music and dance was also a crucial aspect of match-day activities in days gone by.

The Shinty Trail will be the focus of an online event during the Badenoch Heritage Festival which is taking place online from October 26–30

Shinty historian and expert Hugh Dan MacLennan.
Shinty historian and expert Hugh Dan MacLennan.

Shinty historian and broadcaster Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan will hold a talk entitled ‘Gaels, Camas, Badenoch – the centre of the shinty universe?’ on October 28 as part of the festival.

Dr MacLennan has provided a great deal of help in the creation of The Shinty Trail and will be taking a closer look at what the new trail has to offer.

He said: “The Shinty Trail will be a great asset to the community of Badenoch where shinty is such an important part of life and the cultural heritage of the area.

"It will be a huge asset to schools and other people wanting to research the history of the game and its importance to people young and old.

"It will offer visitors to the area and people from all over the world an insight into the wayward strands which come together on the field of play but which are reflected in the environment and its rich store of place-names and other features.

"Hopefully the trail will be a living entity which can be added to and expanded over time as the story of shinty in Badenoch is a rich seam to be mined.

"As to whether the area is the centre of the shinty universe, I look forward to the debate.”

Dr Fiona MacLean, CNPA board member, said: “I would like to thank all those people and organisations who have been involved in the development of the Shinty Trail to allow the CNPA to create such a fantastic resource which celebrates both the Gaelic and shinty heritage of Badenoch.”

High Life Highland’s Highland Folk Museum holds a comprehensive collection of objects and archival material on shinty and has provided invaluable support for the development of the trail.

The Shinty Trail can be viewed in English and Gaelic and can be accessed here

More on the Badenoch Heritage Festival can be found by clicking here


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