A MAJOR women's shinty game is set to be broadcast by the BBC this weekend.
The WCA Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final, regarded as the premier cup in the women’s game, takes place on Saturday and will see current cup-holders Lochaber take on rivals Badenoch Ladies.
The two sides also met in last year’s final, which proved a tense match with Lochaber edging a 1-0 victory to lift the trophy.
Shinty, a traditional Scottish stick-and-ball sport often compared to hockey, has deep roots in the Highlands and is played competitively by men’s and women’s teams across the country.
Commenting, Fiona MacKenzie, BBC Alba commissioning editor, said: “This is the ultimate prize in women’s shinty and it promises to be a great advert for the sport.
“Our coverage reflects our commitment to help showcase both women’s and men’s shinty to as wide an audience as possible.”
Lochaber booked their place in the final in dramatic fashion, defeating Glasgow Mid Argyll in a penalty shoot-out after an extraordinary 4-4 draw.
Badenoch’s route was more straightforward, overcoming Skye 5-1 in their semi-final.
The Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup, administered by the Women’s Camanachd Association, is contested on a knock-out basis by teams in the National Division 1 league.
The annual showpiece remains the highlight of the women’s shinty calendar and has grown steadily in profile, with BBC Alba's coverage providing a platform for the sport to reach wider audiences across Scotland and beyond.
This year’s final sets up another eagerly anticipated clash between two of the strongest sides in the game.
Lochaber will be aiming to defend their crown and secure back-to-back victories, while Badenoch will be determined to avenge last year’s defeat and reclaim the trophy they last won in 2022.
The broadcaster’s decision to show the match comes at a time of growing interest in women’s sport across the country, with shinty’s governing bodies keen to build on that momentum.
The Valerie Fraser Cup Final will take place on Saturday from 4pm and can be watched live or on demand on BBC Alba and BBC iPlayer.
