Shinty: Kingussie secure statement signing of Glasgow Mid Argyll ace

Calum McLay has joined Mowi Premiership champions Kingussie from Glasgow Mid Argyll in what is the biggest transfer of the shinty pre-season so far.

Shinty transfers are a rare occurrence but McLay, one of the top players in the Mowi National Division last year, should be a good fit for Kingussie’s style of play.

McLay has been a key player for the Glasgow side over recent seasons, regularly featuring amongst their goal scorers even when he played in a deeper full centre role and when he decided that he would leave Glasgow Mid Argyll for another challenge, he wrote the Badenoch side requesting to join their ranks. His request was considered and approved at a Kingussie club meeting last week.

McLay’s inclusion increases competition in an already potent forward line which counts Ruaridh Anderson, Roddy Young, Dylan Borthwick and Savio Genini amongst its ranks. Lee Bain, Ryan Borthwick, Eoin Baikie and Iain Fraser can also play in the four forward positions with Toby Thain hoping to be the next youngster to break through.

McLay will travel north for weekly training sessions at The Dell and having already played university shinty with Kingussie mainstays Alexander Michie and Calum Grant, he should have no difficulties settling in.

Scotland manager Alan MacRae, who was also previously Calum’s boss at GMA, is a big admirer of the player who came through the youth ranks at the Peterson Park club and he had McLay in his thoughts when putting together his first Scotland squad for last year’s shinty-hurling international against Ireland.

However, a knee injury suffered in a 2-0 home defeat to Inveraray at the end of August limited McLay’s game time for the remainder of the season and torpedoed his international chances.

Working back from injury

This was a significant blow to Glasgow Mid Argyll’s promotion hopes, and they eventually finished in third place, just one point off the second promotion spot. Despite the injury, McLay still finished the season as the Glasgow side’s top scorer, bagging 20 of their 58 goals.

His rehabilitation work has been going well, and he is now ramping up his training schedule, working closely with a physio in Glasgow. All going well, McLay should be ready to return at the beginning of February, just in time for Kingussie’s preseason friendlies, which include a home game against Glasgow Mid Argyll on Saturday 21 February 2026, and he hopes to be up to speed for the start of the new shinty season on Saturday 7 March 2026.

Whilst McLay’s addition is a boost for new Kingussie manager Ronald Ross, his departure is a blow to new GMA boss Nick Lavin who will have to do without his talisman.

Building for the future

Meantime, Lochaber and Col Glen, the two sides most recent promoted to the Mowi Premiership, are looking to enhance their home ground facilities.

Col Glen have embarked on a fundraising drive to help improved their facilities ahead of their historic first-ever appearance shinty’s top-flight.

The club is carrying out fundraising efforts and has set up a gofundme page with the aim of upgrading their current changing facilities.

A club spokesperson said: “Now that we have made it to the Premiership, we are excited to take the next step in improving our facilities.

“Our current changing rooms are in need of an upgrade, and we are raising funds to build a new portacabin that will better serve our players and community.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help us reach our goal and create a space we can all be proud of.”

Lochaber are looking for three sponsors to donate towards the erection of a 72-seater undercover spectator stand at their Spean Bridge pitch.

The club believe a new stand will enhance their facilities and improve the overall match day experience whilst also supporting the club in their bid to host semi-finals and cup finals.

[Source: Press and Journal]