Family heirloom will signal start of the Camanachd Cup final
Referee Willie MacDonald will officiate the 2024 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final.
A native of Ballachulish, MacDonald began his shinty journey playing for the local primary school team before progressing to Ballachulish’s senior team at just 13 years old.
At 24, he joined Fort William, newly promoted to North Division 1, where his talent flourished. He went on to enjoy a glittering playing career, culminating in his finest moment in 1992 when Fort William won their first-ever Camanachd Cup, defeating Kingussie 1-0 in Glasgow.
MacDonald’s standout performance earned him the prestigious Albert Smith Medal.
His international career followed soon after, with honours for Scotland in 1993 and later captaining the national team against Ireland in Fort William. After retiring from playing, MacDonald dedicated his time to coaching at all levels.
He worked with schoolchildren at Inverlochy School for eight years, guiding a team from P1 to P7, and leading them to victory in the MacKay Cup in 2017/18.
His passion for youth development continues to inspire, with many of his former players making their way into Fort William’s senior team.
MacDonald has been an official since 2014 taking charge of his first game between Lochaber and Newtonmore.
Although this will be his first time refereeing the Camanachd Cup Final, he has previously taken charge of major finals including the MacTavish, Celtic and Macaulay. MacDonald said: “I feel very honoured to be given the task of refereeing the Camanachd Cup Final between Kingussie and Lovat, arguably the two top teams in the sport at present.
I’m looking forward to a fast open game and will try and let the game flow as much as possible to make it a spectacle that supporters at the match and around the globe who may be tuned in can enjoy.
“My great uncle and famous shinty player Hugh ‘Seedy’ Lawrie from Ballachulish was given this same honour in 1955.
“The final that day was between Newtonmore and Kyles Athletic in Glasgow. Uncle Hugh passed on his Acme Thunderer whistle to me in his final days and in memory of him the first blast of the 2024 final will come from this very whistle.
“My hope is that a great spectacle is put on by both clubs and may the best team win.”
The 2024 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final promises to be a thrilling occasion, with the Lochaber Live music event adding to the festival atmosphere.
Tickets for both are still available with the shinty tickets available at www.shinty.com/tickets .