08/09/2026
The Women's Camanachd Association (WCA) marked its 25th anniversary in spectacular fashion at The Eilan in Newtonmore over the weekend, with a memorable day of three thrilling national cup finals.
The landmark celebration on Saturday 5th September, sponsored by Mowi Scotland, showcased the continued growth, quality and excitement of women’s shinty, with Dunadd, Beauly and Badenoch all lifting national trophies following outstanding finals.
There was also another major milestone being celebrated on the day, with the WCA being able to host an all-female line up of officials, referees, goal judges, lines people and ball fetchers.
Dunadd Camanachd were crowned MOWI Challenge Cup champions after winning 7 – 6 against Aberdour Shinty Club in an extraordinary 13-goal final. Dunadd’s victory also completed a remarkable cup double, having lifted the WCA Single Team Cup just three weeks earlier.
In the MOWI National Primary Girls Cup champions, Beauly lifted the trophy after an impressive 4 - 0 win over Glasgow Gales in the six-a-side final. The final provided a wonderful showcase for the next generation of female shinty players, highlighting the strength and potential of the women’s game at primary school level. Lexie Ross of the Beauly side was awarded Player of the Match.
The day concluded with an unforgettable MOWI Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final, which was broadcast live on BBC Alba, as Badenoch Ladies Shinty Club came from 2 - 0 down at half time to defeat Kinlochshiel Shinty Club 5 - 3 after extra time. Kinlochshiel established an early advantage, but Badenoch produced a superb second-half comeback.
This year, the WCA introduced the Peter Gow Quaich, in memory of a dear friend and WCA sponsor, who sadly passed away last year. The quaich will be presented annually to the Player of the Match in each final.
In the MOWI challenge Cup, Iona McCulloch of Dunadd received the Peter Gow quaich for Player of the Match. In the MOWI Valerie Fraser Cup Final, the award went to Elizabeth McGregor of Badenoch.
Jayne Mackay, from sponsors MOWI, attended the finals day to present the trophies to the winning teams and players.
The three finals provided a fitting centrepiece to a special day celebrating 25 years of the Women’s Camanachd Association.
📸 ~ Neil G Paterson
