The draw for the Ferguson Transport and Shipping Balliemore Cup has taken place, setting the stage for another keenly contested season in one of shinty’s most cherished national competitions.
The draw was held at the Ferguson Transport and Shipping depot on Monday, marking five years of the company’s title sponsorship of the Balliemore Cup through its long standing partnership with the Camanachd Association.
Directors Kevin Ferguson and Jack Ferguson conducted the draw, which brings together clubs from across the shinty heartlands for the opening round of the 2026 competition.
The Balliemore Cup has grown in stature in recent years, with competitive ties, strong attendances, and a reputation for producing memorable knockout encounters throughout the summer.
Group Managing Director of Ferguson Transport and Shipping, Alasdair Ferguson, said the company was proud to continue its support for the competition and the wider shinty community.
“We are so very pleased and proud to continue with the great relationship we have built up over many years with the Camanachd Association and the shinty community, to once again sponsor the Balliemore Cup this year.
“The last number of years have been very competitive, and this year we feel will be no different with the likes of Beauly, Lovat, Kilmallie, Bute and GMA to name only a number of the teams, all in the cup draw, to compete for the National trophy.”
He said the competition continues to reflect the strength of shinty across Scotland.
“This year will be no exception, it will be another strongly contested cup competition.”
Alasdair Ferguson also highlighted the company’s Highland roots and the significance of Spean Bridge as the final venue.
“Ferguson Transport and Shipping provide logistics nationally, throughout the UK.
“We relocated to the village of Spean Bridge from Ardrishaig in Argyll in 1974, where our business has grown considerably since then and it is where the final will be played.
“We look forward to the draw, and no doubt we will be in for another exciting day of shinty when the cup final comes round and one not to be missed.
“From all the directors and employees, we wish all the teams and players taking part the very best of luck and hope that our national sport, shinty, continues to shine through.”
President of the Camanachd Association, Burton Morrison, said anticipation is already building as clubs prepare for the new season.
“With the new season close at hand, the Balliemore Cup once again commands attention as clubs look ahead to the draw and the challenges it will bring.
“Last year saw Lochaber make history by lifting the trophy for a sixth time, though their promotion now takes them out of this season’s competition.
“That opens the door to fresh opportunity and renewed ambition across the field, with strong contenders emerging from all corners of the shinty map.”
He said the competition’s growth has been underpinned by consistent backing.
“The continued growth and standing of the Balliemore Cup owes much to the long standing backing of Ferguson Transport and Shipping, whose support remains deeply valued.”
The first round of the Ferguson Transport and Shipping Balliemore Cup is scheduled to be played on 16 May, with the final set for 25 July in Spean Bridge, promising another summer of hard fought shinty and strong community support across the Highlands and beyond.
