It is thought to have been introduced to Scotland along with the Gaelic language by Irish/Celtic immigrants some two thousand year ago or brought here by Irish missionaries in 6AD.

Shinty enthusiasts even claim that golf was derived from shinty players practising driving the ball with the caman, the curved stick used in the game. Tiger Woods might be surprised at this claim but he would undoubtedly play a mean shinty game!

According to John Mackenzie, president of the Camanachd Association "Shinty offers wide participation. It's a very physical sport that can be enjoyed at all levels. The game is at a great point right now with expansion through youth development which has been going for the last couple of years".

The 2004 season saw the association taking a big step by changing the season, starting from March until November. This pilot intended to benefit both players and spectators, and it is hoped will further improve the experience. "We hope with the season now running from spring through to autumn to encourage more visitors to the Highlands to come and watch this very exciting sport. Having a summer season has also been continued for 2005.

There is a full fixture list available from the Camanachd association with some key fixtures in the Highlands in 2005 being:

• June 25th - Tulloch MacTavish cup final, Bught Park, Inverness
• July 9th - Grampian TV cup, Spean Bridge
• July 9th - North v South International Squad Trial Game, Spean Bridge
• September 17th - Glenmorangie Camanachd cup final An Aird, Fort William
• October 1st - Marine harvest Festival of Shinty Spean Bridge
• Date TBA - Shinty/Hurling Internationals, Bught Park, Inverness