The draw for the 2026 Highland Industrial Supplies Sutherland Cup was made in Inverness as confirmation was given that the long running sponsorship of the competition has been extended through to 2027.
The draw took place at the offices of Highland Industrial Supplies and was conducted by Garry Mackintosh, Director of Highland Industrial Supplies, alongside Camanachd Association chief executive Ruari Davidson.
The sponsorship extension means Highland Industrial Supplies will have supported the Sutherland Cup for eight consecutive years by the end of the new agreement.
The Sutherland Cup is regarded as the most prestigious prize in junior shinty and has become a focal point of the calendar for clubs across Scotland.
Camanachd Association president Burton Morrison said the continued backing was vital to the competition’s standing.
“I would like to thank Highland Industrial Supplies for their continued commitment to the Sutherland Cup and for agreeing this new sponsorship arrangement through to 2027.
“Their long-standing support has played a significant role in enhancing the professionalism and stature of the final, helping to elevate the occasion even more.
“The Sutherland Cup remains the most prestigious prize in junior shinty, and Highland Industrial Supplies investment has ensured the competition is showcased in a manner worthy of its history and importance.
“On behalf of the Camanachd Association, I wish all teams the very best of luck in the draw and in the campaign ahead.”
Speaking after the draw, Garry Mackintosh said the partnership reflected the deep connection between the sport and the Highlands.
“It gives us great pleasure to continue our sponsorship of the Sutherland Cup until 2027, that year will mark eight years of support for junior shinty’s premium cup competition.
“The sport of shinty is intrinsically linked to the Highlands of Scotland where we operate and it is of great importance to many of our customers, suppliers and employees so it is a natural fit for Highland Industrial Supplies.
“Since we began sponsoring the competition outright there have been some incredible finals to take place at Blairbeg Park with Sutherland Cup Finals averaging more than 6 goals a game during that period.
“I am sure we will be in for another exciting edition of this famous competition in 2026.”
This year’s competition will again be regionalised in the early rounds, with clubs split across four sections before progressing to the latter stages.
The opening round sees Caberfeidh face Inverness, Kinlochshiel take on Glenurquhart, Kilmallie play Lochaber, and Stirling meet Bute alongside ties involving Glasgow Mid Argyll, Uddingston, Strachur Dunoon and Tayforth.
Several clubs including Newtonmore, Kingussie, Beauly, Lovat, Skye, Lochcarron, Fort William, Lochside Rovers, Inveraray and Kyles Athletic have received byes into the second round.
Quarter final and semi final pathways have also been set, with potential match ups already taking shape as teams look ahead to the summer campaign.
The full draw has now been circulated to clubs, setting the stage for another competitive and closely followed Sutherland Cup season.
