Strathclyde Police, whose immaculate sward at Lochinch, beside Haggs Castle golf course, was used for the Celtic Society Cup final last weekend, are to offer the venue to the Camanachd Association for consideration for shinty's showpiece game, the Camanachd Cup final.
Police spokesman Sergeant Dereck MacKintosh said he was surprised they had not been asked to consider hosting the event given the difficulties in securing a venue in Glasgow. He said: ''This is a fantastic surface and we have all the car parking we need. The financial implications of hiring stands have been investigated and we are sure that it is feasible. If we had been asked we could have made the offer straightaway, but we will now be pursuing the option with the Camanachd Association, because if we cannot guarantee the security of a venue then no-one can.''
A Camanachd Cup final at such a spectacular venue would in all probability be an outstanding success and the police may well have solved the Camanachd Association's problem which has seen Glasgow written out of the Camanachd Cup final circuit for the foreseeable future. Association executive officer Alister MacIntyre welcomed news of the police offer. He said: ''We appreciate their interest and when it comes to clubs being invited to host finals at the start of the season, I will look forward to receiving their proposals. We are deeply sorry that we have lost Glasgow as a cup final venue and as long as the financial and other considerations bear examination, we will look at their bid along with any others.''
Shinty fans are spoiled for choice this weekend with a clutch of crucial matches on offer. Tayforth and Ballachulish are level in Division One and the winner at Perth goes through to the play-off for a place in the premier league. In Division One north, Kilmallie will clinch the title with a win at Caberfeidh, although they have two more games to go if they slip up. The two points Kilmallie picked up for a postponed fixture last weekend could be the most crucial factor in what is sure to be a high octane collision.
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