Most famous trophy in shinty to find permanent home in Highland landmark castle
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THE most famous trophy in shinty is set to make a landmark castle at the centre of a multimillion-pound transformation its permanent home.
The Camanachd Cup is set to be kept in Inverness Castle to ensure the conservation and preservation of the trophy.
The piece of silverware has been played for since the first final in 1896 and awarded to the winners during the competition's 127 year history.
However, the sport's governing body the Camanachd Association, reported the trophy has suffered from wear and tear over the years.
In recognition of the need to safeguard the cherished trophy from any potential irreparable damage, the Camanachd Association has taken the step to retire it from active competition.
In collaboration with Tulloch Homes, Hamilton and Inches, the prestigious company responsible for crafting the original trophy back in the 1890s, will be commissioned to create a silver replica.
Furthermore, the development of the new trophy has been made possible due to the ongoing partnership work between the Camanachd Association and the University of the Highlands and Islands. The university’s advanced manufacturing department have been able to reduce the cost of creating a replica by using 3D scanning to aid the craftspeople in their task of recreating one of sport’s most iconic trophies.
Camanachd Association president Steven MacKenzie says is pleased the trophy has found a suitable home at Inverness Castle.
"We are thrilled to be taking this significant step to protect the historical Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup.
"By retiring it to Inverness Castle, we honour the trophy's legacy and ensure that its story remains alive for generations of shinty players and enthusiasts."
Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group, Fergus Ewing said: “Shinty is an integral part of the fabric of Highland life so to have its most prized trophy, the Camanachd Cup, on display at the heart of the Inverness Castle Experience will be of interest to many throughout the Highlands and beyond.
"I am sure many will be drawn to the new Inverness Castle Experience after it opens in 2025 to see the trophy at first hand and its place in the Highland story.”
Leader of the City of Inverness and Area and Co-chair of the Inverness Castle Project Delivery Group Ian Brown said: “We are delighted that the Camanachd Association has chosen the Inverness Castle Experience as the permanent home for the Camanachd Cup. As well as safeguarding the future of this unique part of our heritage, it will give an opportunity for people from near and far to share in the exciting story of shinty and its importance to Highland life.”
The relocation of the Camanachd Cup to Inverness Castle will also provide a unique opportunity for visitors and locals alike to witness and learn about the rich history of shinty in Scotland.
READ ALSO: Glimpse inside castle as revamp work continues
The official retirement ceremony and unveiling of the trophy's replica will take place in early 2024 at a date to be confirmed with representatives from the Camanachd
Association, Tulloch Homes, and Hamilton and Inches.
