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Dingwall Academy have three teams in the last 16 of Scottish Cup and have celebrated multiple North of Scotland Cup triumphs - We take a look at their success





DINGWALL Academy is establishing a reputation of producing some of the top school football teams in Scotland.

Last year they won three North of Scotland Cup competitions at under-13 boys level, senior boys level and senior girls level.

They have now gone on to progress to the last-16 of the Scottish Cup in their respective age groups.

In addition, the school has also seen a number of pupils representing the North of Scotland Select teams and one pupil going on to represent Scotland.

Dingwall Academy Under-13 are in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
Dingwall Academy Under-13 are in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.

This school year in the Scottish Cup, the under-13’s team have beaten Nicolson Institute from Stornoway 6-1 in the first round and Dunfermline High School 9-0 in the second round.

They then beat Baldragon Academy, which are a Dundee United performance school, 2-1 in the third round to set up a last-16 tie against St Mungo High School from Falkirk.

The under-14 team are also through to the North of Scotland Cup final where they will face either Charleston Academy or Mintlaw Academy.

The senior boys’ team are through to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup and will host St Ninian’s Glasgow on Thursday, February 6 at 1.30pm.

They have also reached the semi final of the North of Scotland Cup and will host Fraserburgh Academy on Tuesday, February 25 at noon.

In addition, Craig Lawrie, Ryan Ross, Jamie Robertson, Lewis Mackay, Lewis Gibson and Ryan Macnamara are part of the North of Scotland Select Squad.

North of Scotland Select team
North of Scotland Select team

They recently beat Glasgow 5-4 to reach the semi finals of the National Trophy.

Lawrie also plays for Highland League club Clachnacuddin and he scored for the Lilywhites in their 2-1 win over Buckie Thistle last weekend.

The senior girls football team are through to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup after beating Albyn School from Aberdeen in the first round 11-0 and then Perth High School in the second round 5-0.

They now face Eastwood High School from Newton Mearns at home on Thursday, February 6 at 11:30am for a place in the quarter finals.

The senior girls football team are also through to the North of Scotland Cup final for a second year on a row after defeating Nicolson Institute 3-2. They will now defend the trophy they won last year when they play either Millburn Academy or Tain Royal Academy in the final.

In addition, Keira Syrjanen has been called up to play for Scotland at under-17 level.

She made her debut for Scotland against Iceland in October, and also scored for Ross County in their historic Scottish Cup second round clash against Bonnyrigg Rose at the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall.

Keira Syrjanen celebrates scoring for Ross County. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Keira Syrjanen celebrates scoring for Ross County. Picture: Callum Mackay.

Dingwall Academy principal teacher of physical education Ali Mackay says it has been an incredible effort from the pupils and staff to achieve the amount of success they have had in recent years.

He said: “For me personally, it has been great to see the growth of our football teams and for our football programme to go from strength to strength over the past couple of years.

“I believe winning three North of Scotland Cups last year in the same season has never been achieved by a school and this year we now have three teams in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup which is an outstanding achievement.

“A special mention needs to go to Kevin McKie who co-ordinates our football programme, Ruari Rogan, Ryan Ross and Rachael Macrae along with myself who take teams and also to ex-depute head teacher Dougie MacIntosh who assists with teams and also drives our team bus to all our games.

“Mike Stankie and Sandy Mackenzie also regularly referee games for us. As a school we also really appreciate all of the support we have from parents.

“We have large numbers attending training on a weekly basis and we also have a Madrid Football Tour taking place in May for S2 and S3 pupils.”

Dingwall Academy also remain the only school from the Highlands to ever win the Scottish Shield. In 1994, they defeated Cardinal Newman High School from Bellshill 1-0 at Hampden Park thanks to a goal from Neal Sinclair.


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