BUTE Shinty Club will face either Balliemore or Strathglass in the next round of the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup after being given a bye in the official draw for the 2026 competition.
The draw took place on Monday, January 26, at the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Depot and was conducted by company directors Kevin Ferguson and Jack Ferguson. This year marks five years of Ferguson Transport & Shipping sponsoring the Balliemore Cup, continuing a long-standing partnership with the Camanachd Association.
Alasdair Ferguson, group managing director of Ferguson Transport & Shipping, said: “We are so very pleased and proud to continue with the great relationship we have built up over many years with the Camanachd Association and the shinty community, to once again sponsor the Balliemore Cup this year.”
He added: “The last number of years have been very competitive, and this year we feel will be no different with the likes of Beauly, Lovat, Kilmallie, Bute and GMA to name only a number of the teams, all in the cup draw, to compete for the national trophy.”
Looking ahead to the months to come, Mr Ferguson said: “This year will be no exception; it will be another strongly contested cup competition.”
The Balliemore Cup final will be played in Spean Bridge on Saturday, July 25, and Mr Ferguson feels the occasion is always a highlight in the shinty calendar: “We look forward to the draw, and no doubt we will be in for another exciting day of shinty when the cup final comes round and one not to be missed.”
Camanachd Association president, Burton Morrison, also looked ahead to the new season, adding: “With the new season close at hand, the Balliemore Cup once again commands attention as clubs look ahead to the draw and the challenges it will bring.”
He added: “Last year saw Lochaber make history by lifting the trophy for a sixth time, though their promotion now takes them out of this season’s competition. That opens the door to fresh opportunity and renewed ambition across the field, with strong contenders emerging from all corners of the shinty map.”
Mr Morrison also paid tribute to the competition’s sponsors, saying: “The continued growth and standing of the Balliemore Cup owes much to the long-standing backing of Ferguson Transport and Shipping, whose support remains deeply valued.”
