Home draw for Caberfeidh, but Kinlochshiel on the road for Camanachd Cup as early rounds are drawn
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The draw for the first and second rounds of the 2021 Camanachd Cup has been made.
Usually an open draw format, this season the competition's earlier rounds has been regionalised to reduce travel as the country begins to emerge from the pandemic.
Two ties will be played in the northern section's first round, with Beauly hosting Inverness and Strathglass travelling to Glenurquhart.
The winner of the former tie will then travel to Castle Leod to face Caberfeidh in the second round, with Kinlochshiel on the road to face the winners of the latter.
Lovat have also been drawn away from home against Skye, who received a bye in the first round.
That left a mouth-watering Badenoch derby as Newtonmore will host Kingussie in the remaining second round match in the section.
First round ties are scheduled to be played on Saturday, June 26, while the second round will take place three weeks later on Saturday, July 17.
Steven MacKenzie, Camanachd Association president said: “This year represents the 125th anniversary of our sport’s “blue riband” trophy – the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup.
"Having looked over the draw, I must say it has started in perfect style with a lot of well-matched opponents who should provide some exciting ties.
"It’s hard to ignore the Badenoch Derby of course, additionally I think Fort William vs Oban Camanachd will be a good spectacle in the southern section.
"We are delighted to have such an exciting draw to present and of course thankful to our sponsor Tulloch Homes for making it all possible.”
Derek Keir, Camanachd Association chief executive officer, said: “It was my pleasure to be at the draw this morning alongside George Fraser of Tulloch Homes as we take another important step towards the return of competitive shinty action.
"The commitment that Tulloch Homes have shown to shinty over the years has been tremendous.
"We are really excited by the draw and know that this will invigorate all of our clubs as they look forward to playing in this historic competition once again.”
George Fraser, Tulloch Homes chief executive officer, said: “Everyone in the shinty world must be delighted we are within touching distance of a return to competitive matches.
"Hopefully, the draw for the first and second round of the Camanachd Cup will whet the appetite of players and supporters alike as we start on the journey to the Camanachd Cup final in September.”
Full draw
First Round (Saturday, June 26 2021)
Northern Section
Beauly v Inverness
Glenurquhart v Strathglass
Bye – Skye
Southern Section
Inveraray v Lochaber
Ballachulish v Bute
Bye – Oban Celtic
Second Round (Saturday, July 17 2021)
Northern Section
Newtonmore v Kingussie
Caberfeidh v Beauly/Inverness
Glenurquhart/Strathglass v Kinlochshiel
Skye v Lovat
Southern Section
Kilmallie v Ballachulish/Bute
Fort William v Oban Camanachd
Oban Celtic v GMA
Kyles Athletic v Inveraray/Lochaber
