The annual ‘Am Fasgadh Quaich’ shinty tournament is taking place at the Highland Folk Museum on Saturday 23rd September, from 10:30am onwards.
This yearly event is held right in the heart of the open-air museum site, at the Boleskine Shinty Pavilion and pitch.
Helen Pickles, High Life Highland’s Curator at the Highland Folk Museum, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the local primary school six-a-side tournament, where pupils will be competing for the Am Fasgadh Quaich.
“This year, we’ll have teams from Newtonmore, Alvie, Aviemore, Carrbridge and Strathdearn, and defending champions Kingussie.
“The tournament started back in 2013, when the disused shinty pavilion was moved from the British Aluminium Company site at Foyers, and re-erected at the Museum. It is a great way to celebrate shinty – its past, present and future.
“We understandably had a few years off during the pandemic, but it’s wonderful to have the annual competition up and running again with the valued support of the Camanachd Association and the local schools.
“It feels rewarding being able to support the young players, and for visitors who might be unfamiliar with the sport to see shinty in action. So on Saturday 23rd September, members of the public are invited to come along and watch the future stars of the game!
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Badenoch Shinty Memories too, who will be bringing along some folk to enjoy the game and the shinty chat.”
The round-robin tournament will start at 10:30am and run until approximately midday, when the winning team will be presented with the quaich. The trophy will remain on display in the shinty pavilion throughout the Museum’s open season.
Helen continued: “There is plenty more for visitors to see at the Highland Folk Museum, so why not make a day of it? Or for those keen to find a fun weekend activity, from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 24th September happens to be when Highland Folk Museum is participating in the nationwide Doors Open Day festival.
“Housed in Am Fasgadh – the purpose-built museum store and office building – this will be a chance for visitors to have a look around the store and see some of the 15,000 objects that are cared for by the Museum Team.
“We have everything from teaspoons to tractors in the store at Am Fasgadh. This internationally significant collection was started in the 1930s by Dr Isabel F. Grant, who saw the importance of preserving the everyday culture of the Highland people.
“The collection has continued to grow throughout the decades, and we’re very lucky to have this fantastic facility which allows visitors and researchers to access the collection. In addition to regular Wednesday afternoon tours, the weekend of Doors Open Day gives us a chance to let visitors step through the doors and explore the treasures inside.”
Highland Folk Museum is managed and maintained by High Life Highland, and uniquely, is Britain’s first mainland open-air museum. There are over 35 historical buildings onsite to explore and discover how people in the Highlands lived as far back as 1700s.
There is no charge for either of this weekend’s events or the museum, but donations play a vital part in helping to improve the experience of the area and the Highland Folk Museum is grateful for any contributions towards this.
Donations are accepted in person at the museum by cash or card, and there is also an online donations portal available for use at any time by using the following link: https://high-life-highland.myshopify.com/collections/donate/products/hfm-donations
