Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has called for North End Shinty to be allowed to compete in the National First Shinty Finals in Fort William on 28th of February 2026.
The team, made up of pupils from four small primary schools in the north of Skye, had qualified for the finals after winning their regional indoor tournament.
However, they have since been told they are unable to take part due to a recent rule change by the Camanachd Association reducing the maximum combined school roll from 150 to 80.
The change was introduced partway through the indoor season after winter training had already begun.
Some of the young players have travelled up to 50 minutes each week to attend evening training sessions since the start of the school year.
Rhoda Grant said:
“It seems deeply unfair to me that North End has been excluded from the finals at such short notice and through no fault of their own.
“They have trained for weeks to qualify and are, understandably, deeply upset to be told they can’t play in the finals this weekend.
“The Camanachd Association’s website states that they recognise people in rural areas can find it difficult to access sport because of limited public transport, or fewer opportunities than urban areas and that in supporting local clubs they aim to break down the barriers of rural disadvantage and provide meaningful opportunities to participate in shinty.
“I am therefore appealing to them to uphold this view and to reconsider this decision.”
For a small rural team that had earned its place on merit, the dispute has cast a shadow over what should have been a proud moment ahead of the national finals.
