Young people across the Highlands and rural Scotland will have the chance to discover two of Scotland’s most traditional sports through a new partnership bringing together shinty and golf as part of the 2026 Summer of Sport.
The Camanachd Association and Scottish Golf have secured funding through the national initiative, delivered by sportscotland and backed by £20 million from the Scottish Government, to provide free and low cost opportunities for children and young people to experience both sports close to home.
The programme is designed to help remove barriers to participation while encouraging more young people to become active, build confidence and discover lifelong interests in sport.
Inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Summer of Sport aims to give communities across Scotland the opportunity to embrace sport while encouraging a new generation to begin their own sporting journeys.
For the Highlands and Islands, the partnership brings together two sports with a long shared history.
It is widely believed that the modern game of golf evolved from shinty players striking balls across rough ground towards holes, while many of the skills needed to play both sports remain closely connected today.
One of Scotland’s leading golfers, Robert MacIntyre, grew up in Oban with a strong shinty background, highlighting the close relationship between the two sports and the communities where they continue to thrive.
Activities will take place throughout the summer and beyond, giving young people across rural Scotland access to a range of free and subsidised sessions through local shinty and golf clubs.
The programme is particularly aimed at encouraging participation among girls, young people facing financial barriers to sport and those who are currently not meeting recommended physical activity levels.
The Camanachd Association and Scottish Golf are working alongside local authorities, leisure trusts and community partners to ensure opportunities are available to as many young people as possible, regardless of background.
As well as introducing young people to sport, the project will help develop healthy habits, strengthen social connections and create clear pathways into local clubs.
The funding will also support the development of young coaches and volunteers, helping to strengthen sporting communities and ensure both sports continue to flourish for generations to come.
Ruari Davidson, CEO of Camanachd Association, commented:
“Shinty has always been rooted in communities where people come together to play, volunteer and support one another.
“Working alongside Scottish Golf allows us to build on those shared values and introduce more young people to two sports with deep local connections.
“By creating these opportunities and developing young coaches and volunteers, we’re investing not only in participation today, but in stronger, more sustainable sporting communities for the future.”
Robbie Clyde CEO of Scottish Golf, added:
“We’re immensely proud to support the 2026 Summer of Sport and bring exciting, accessible activities to young people across rural Scotland.
‘This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new as we bring golf and shinty together through this partnership with the Camanachd Association.
“Whether it’s through sport, outdoor events, or community-based activities, our goal is to make these opportunities available to everyone, and we’re especially proud to be bringing this to communities in the Highlands and Islands.”
Organisers hope the partnership will leave a lasting legacy by inspiring more young people to get active, strengthening local clubs and ensuring the traditions of both shinty and golf continue to thrive across the Highlands and Islands for many years to come.
More information about the 2026 Summer of Sport programme is available through Scottish Golf and the Camanachd Association.
