Shinty Match - Locals vs Incomers - Helmsdale

13th March 2013

March 23rd, 2013 - Helmsdale

Timespan Heritage Centre in Helmsdale is hosting a “Community Shinty Match”, March 23rd, 2013. The concept of the game is “Incomers” vs “Locals” and is the culmination of the project by artist-in-residence Anthony Schrag - the very same artist who recently gave a Lecture About The Clearances for Sheep. The game aims, in a friendly and fun way, to explore the many connections between Shinty and the Clearances that he has discovered in his research. For example, the tenants of Kildonan actually played a game of Shinty in order to spy on the incoming landowners. He also uncovered that the World’s Oldest Shinty trophy, held in the area, was presented at a 1829 game hosted by the very same Major William Clunes, the Landowner who cleared Kildonan.

It is also assumed that Shinty sticks were used during the Kildonan Riots. Most significantly, many of the emigrants to Canada took their traditional ways with them, including their sports games, and there is evidence that the main influence of Canada’s national sport - Ice Hockey - comes directly from Shinty. Indeed, to this day, a casual game of Ice Hockey played on a frozen pond between friends is still referred to as “Shinny.”

So it seems that the Clearances and Shinty have a deep and meaningful connection. Indeed, Schrag says: “I see it as a metaphor for the traditional culture of Scotland - in the same way that Shinty went to Canada and became the grand and popular Ice Hockey, but within Scotland, the game all but disappeared. The same is happening culturally - the traditions are disappearing over horizon. This match we are organising tries value the traditional, while at the same time speaking of current issues.”

Which is where the “Incomers” vs “Locals” comes in. A particularly contentious division within the village, and one that is like a modern day equivalent to the Clearances, this match brings the community together to address this issue in a fun and traditional way. The team logos have been designed by the local youth in collaboration with Schrag. He says: “I know I am an outsider to the village, but the issue of who is ‘local’ and who is ‘incomer’ seems really arbitrary. Because of the Clearances, everyone is an ‘incomer’ to this village - it didn’t exist 170 years ago, so no one can be ‘local.’

And in this globalised world which sees young people leaving the village to find a ‘better life’ - much like the emigrants in 1813 - it is important to value the traditions of the ‘local’ but also find new ones that the ‘incomers’ can participate in. They are, after all, keeping the village lifeblood alive by immigrating. Without them, the village would be practically empty.”

As a way to build up people’s interest, he is inviting anyone and everyone to visit Loth Beach, Crakaig, the week before - Saturday 16th, at 3pm-5pm - to take part in friendly and communitybased game that recreates the now famous 1829 match. Also, on the evening before, Friday 22nd March, 6pm, a leading expert on Shinty and presenter Mr Hugh Dan McLennan - discusses the importance of shinty at New Year and the role of the game in Sutherland Society. He will be joined by the President of the Camanachd Association, Mr Archie Robertson, and will display two of the previously oldest Shinty Trophies alongside the
recently uncovered local trophy, which is now recorded as the oldest in the world.

Anyone is welcome to come watch the game on the 23rd March. It starts at 1.30pm, gathering between the two pubs in the village, and will be led by pipers to the pitch, for the game to start at 2pm. It is followed by events inside Timespan, Helmsdale.

For more information, please contact enquiries[AT]timespan.org.uk, or call 01431 821327

Anthony Schrag is currently artist-in-residence at Timespan. In a humours and lively way his work attempts to question and reposition history, to assess and reassess beliefs, traditions and customs of the Strath of Kildonan in Sutherland that relate to the Clearances. Crucially, his project looks at how we are currently (re)writing history and the methods we employ.