Scottish Sea Farms makes its name in shinty

They will each get a Scottish Sea Farms-branded shinty ball as part of the salmon farmer’s sponsorship of the event, the oldest of its kind in shinty and the premier knock-out competition for clubs in the south of Scotland.

Scottish Sea Farms was approached by the Glasgow Celtic Society after it found themselves without a sponsor for the cup, which was first contested in 1879.

The company’s managing director, Jim Gallagher, said community meant a lot to SSF, which wouldn’t be successful without the local people it employed and local suppliers of goods and services.

“So when we were invited to support the Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup Final, it seemed like the most fitting of partnerships,” he added. “As much-loved off the pitch as it is fiercely contested on the pitch, the tournament has been instrumental in keeping this uniquely Scottish sport alive and kicking (sometimes literally).”

Broadcast on BBC ALBA

The sponsorship package, provided through SSF’s Heart of the Community scheme, comprises:

• Money to help stage the final
• Free shinty ball for the first 250 spectators to be given out on the day, at the gate, by Lismore West farm manager, David Macmillan, and his two children
• Mini shinty ball keyrings and whisky miniatures for those attending the pre-game reception
• £100 and £50 vouchers for theshintyshop.com as SSF’s donation to the raffle prizes

All the SSF branded goods were produced by local supplier Russell Fraser at the shintyshop.com.

Organisers expect upwards of 500 spectators for tomorrow’s final between Kyles Athletic and Oban Camanachd at Taynuilt Sports Field. The match, which starts at 4pm, will broadcast live on BBC ALBA.

Admission is £10 for adults, £5 concessions, under-16s free.

SSF’s Heart of the Community initiative has supported 302 projects in seven years, adding up to a total investment of £920,581 – a figure expected to top the £1 million mark later this year.