AFTER a season of turmoil and triumph, it now looks clear that two Cowal clubs are going ahead with a significant link-up for the forthcoming 2026 season.
South Division Two side Strachur-Dunoon will reposition themselves as the second team for near neighbours ColGlen, who are embarking on their first ever season in shinty’s top flight this year after promotion from the National Division.
Rumours about this coming-together have been circulating for some weeks now, with both clubs confirming the historic move via social media on Tuesday, January 13.
It is understood that while Strachur-Dunoon will become a fully integrated part of the ColGlen machine, they will continue under their own name, playing their fixtures at Strachumore and Dunoon Stadium whilst donning their traditional blue kits.
Representatives from both ColGlen and Strachur-Dunoon have mentioned that this arrangement will be a fantastic opportunity for both teams to strengthen their positions within the sport. The move will allow a clear pathway for young players in the Cowal to emerge through the ranks from youth competitions, through the senior South leagues and then towards shinty’s top level.
ColGlen club president, Neil Black, echoed this sentiment, adding: “We’re delighted that Strachur-Dunoon will become our new second team.
“This enhances our club structure, provides an exciting pathway for developing players, and reflects our commitment to growing shinty across Cowal.”
Additionally, this move adds a level of security to both sides, which will particularly benefit Strachur-Dunoon who struggled for number halfway through last season.
Strachur-Dunoon club captain, Cameron Middleton, said: “We are really excited to be joining with ColGlen for 2026.
“Not only will it give us a massive hand in retaining youngsters and giving them a clear pathway to play shinty at the highest level, it will also allow us to keep numbers at a steady level which is massive for us in South Division Two.
“We nearly folded in April last year, and we worked incredibly hard both on and off the pitch to keep the club afloat, which resulted in us finishing in second place which was a brilliant achievement. Having a bit of a helping hand from the Glen will be massively beneficial, and will also inspire our top players to push on and see if they can make it at Premiership level.”
Both teams trained together for the first time on Saturday, January 10, with over 20 players in attendance. No doubt the boost in numbers will benefit everyone, especially under the watchful eye of club coach and multiple time Camanachd Cup winner, Rory Fraser.
While ColGlen announced their key appointments for the season back in December, Strachur-Dunoon confirmed last week that Andrew Rossi will take on the role of player/manager, with the aforementioned Cameron Middleton being named as this year’s captain.
Rossi, who skippered the team to a respectable 2nd place last season, now steps up a level in running the second team.
The Glen, meanwhile, are preparing for their maiden voyage in the Premiership with pre-season friendlies against Oban Camanachd, Lovat and Glasgow Mid Argyll, whilst Strachur-Dunoon have their eye on Glasgow University, Inverness and Kilmory as they aim to go one better and pick up South Two silverware this time out.
