On 12 January, (Old New Year) 1824, Major W. Clunes, Craikaig hosted the parish of Clyne, Golspie, Rogart, Dornoch, Creich & Loth to a traditional shinty match on Loth Beach.
On Saturday March 16 2013, the game will be replicated in the same location, in the traditional way. All are invited – any and all able bodied players to join with new players – men, women, children, novices, and total newbies in a communal and community celebration of the Old Ways. No experience necessary. It is being organised in the spirit of heritage and community and it hopes to inspire more engagement with this most ancient of sports.
Families, Friends are ALL welcome and refreshments will be provided at Loth Beach, Crakaig from 3pm–5pm.
On display at this event will be the oldest shinty trophy in the world, also, from the 1829 match – kindly lent by Ms Mary Dudgeon of Craikaig Farm. The inscription reads: From the young men of the parish of Clyne to Major Clunes. As a memento of their gratitude for the countenance and encouragement which he, as the only individual supporter from another parish, afforded twenty of their number while engaged in a Shinny Match against an equal number selected from the parishes of Golspie, Rogart, Dornoch and Creich, and which ended in a drawn game, 12 January 1829.
Rumours that John Sloggie was the match referee that day have yet to be confirmed.