The 2025 W M Donald MacTavish Cup burst into life this week with the unveiling of a tantalising quarter-final draw.
Held at the lush Inverness Botanic Gardens, the draw marks a significant milestone as W M Donald enter their debut year sponsoring the historic shinty competition.
The civil engineering firm, now firmly rooted in the Highland landscape through projects at Ardersier Port and Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, is now investing in grassroots sport.
Their arrival into shinty signals a promising partnership with the Camanachd Association and a vote of confidence in the cultural fabric of Highland sport.
Defending champions Kingussie were the first name drawn and will meet the winner of the Skye versus Newtonmore fixture.
This potential rematch of shinty titans already has fans buzzing.
Elsewhere, league leaders Fort William are set for a tough journey west to face Kinlochshiel, the 2021 champions and always a difficult side to break down on home turf.
A heated Mowi National clash awaits as Lochaber square off against near neighbours Kilmallie in a derby that promises no shortage of passion.
Lovat, meanwhile, head south along Loch Ness for a short but testing trip to face Glenurquhart, with both teams eyeing a semi-final spot.
The draw has delivered a balance of local derbies, historic rivalries and unpredictable match-ups that are sure to entertain.
Speaking after the draw, Barry Smeaton of W M Donald expressed pride in supporting a sport that is so deeply embedded in Highland life.
He highlighted their growing connection with the region and described shinty as a natural fit for their community-focused ethos.
Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association, warmly welcomed the new sponsorship and praised the competitive spirit already evident in this year’s tournament.
He reflected on Kingussie’s dramatic route to the quarters, having edged out Beauly on penalties, a reminder that no team can take their place for granted.
Morrison added that the Association looks forward to building a lasting relationship with W M Donald and continuing to strengthen the reach and impact of shinty.
With nine teams still in the mix and one final spot up for grabs, the stage is set for a thrilling run to the final.
All eyes now turn to the newly refurbished Bught Park in Inverness, where the final will take place on 14th June 2025.
Anticipation is already mounting as fans count down the days.
W M Donald MacTavish Cup Quarter-Final
19th April 2025
Kingussie vs Newtonmore/Skye
Kinlochshiel vs Fort William
Lochaber vs Kilmallie
Glenurquhart vs Lovat
