Kingussie and Newtonmore will go head-to-head in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final this Saturday at Bught Park, Inverness, with the first hit of the ball at 2:05pm.
The two Badenoch powerhouses are fierce rivals and shinty’s most decorated clubs, making this one of the most anticipated finals in years.
Defending champions Kingussie are aiming to lift the historic trophy for the fourth year running, and the 27th time overall.
Newtonmore are chasing a record-extending 35th title in what will be their remarkable 54th appearance in the final.
BBC ALBA will broadcast the match live from 2pm, bringing the drama of shinty’s showpiece event to viewers across the country.
Saturday will also see music and sport come together, as the return of Lochaber Live transforms An Aird into a festival venue.
Tickets for both events are available online, with shinty tickets on sale now at shinty.com.
The day kicks off at 11am with the MacMaster Cup Final, where Lovat take on Skye in a showcase of emerging talent.
Team captains Thomas Borthwick of Kingussie and Craig Ritchie of Newtonmore came together earlier this week at Tulloch Homes’ Spey Green development in Newtonmore to preview the final.
“This year’s final will be the biggest since 2011,” said Borthwick.
“We’ve built momentum in recent weeks and two wins against Newtonmore definitely help with confidence.
“But they’re strong at the back and can score goals, it’ll be a huge game.”
Ritchie is equally ready for the challenge.
“It’s been far too long since Newtonmore were in the final,” he said.
“The whole community is excited.
“We’ve trained well and had a good warm-up on Saturday, now all focus is on Bught Park.”
Camanachd Association President Burton Morrison said the final promises to be “a classic,” noting the form of both teams and the fierce edge of a Badenoch derby.
“We’re hugely grateful to Tulloch Homes for their support,” he said.
“This final will showcase everything that is best about our sport.”
Tulloch Homes Managing Director Kieran Graham said the event captures what makes shinty special.
“Shinty is more than just a game,” he said.
“It’s tradition, community, and spirit.
“We’re proud to support a final that unites so many people across the Highlands.”
