Glasgow will host shinty's oldest trophy at the weekend - the 118th Celtic Cup final.
Peterson Park in Yoker - the city's last full-size shinty pitch - will see sides Glasgow Mid Argyll and Oban Camanachd contest the trophy in front of the live TV cameras.
And Saturday's clash is a repeat of the final of exactly 50 years ago, when Oban defeated GMA by four goals to three.
Members of the victorious Oban side from 1973 will be introduced to the crowd before the throw-up.
The cup competition, organised by the Glasgow Celtic Society, was first played in 1879, and is open to all shinty clubs from the South District, playing in the Premiership and Division One.
Founded
The society itself was founded in 1857 to promote the language, literature, poetry, dress and athletic games of the Highlands.
The Celtic Cup was the only shinty competition in existence until the introduction of the Camanachd Cup in 1895.
Traditionally, the final was always played in Glasgow, but for several years until its return to the city last year it was hosted in Argyll.
Current holders GMA reached the final by defeating Kyles Athletic on penalties in their semi-final, after a thrilling 5-5 draw, while Oban won through by beating Inveraray 4-0.
Both clubs currently play in the Scottish Premiership.
President of the Glasgow Celtic Society, Donald Fletcher, said: “The Society is indebted to Glasgow Mid Argyll for the assistance in preparatory work on the pitch and venue, which I am sure will be excellent for a televised shinty final.
It’s set to be another exciting Celtic Cup Final this weekend, with both teams no strangers to winning the coveted trophy.
Jessica Taylor
“Exactly fifty years ago in 1973, Oban Camanachd defeated Glasgow Mid Argyll in the final.”
The competition is sponsored by Scottish Sea Farms and the game will be broadcast live on BBC television.
Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community Coordinator Jessica Taylor said: “It’s set to be another exciting Celtic Cup Final this weekend, with both teams no strangers to winning the coveted trophy.
“Shinty has a long history within the communities in which we work and live, and by offering our ongoing support and commitment to the game’s oldest tournament, we hope to play our part in helping it thrive for years to come.”
Shinty is recorded as having been played in Glasgow as early as 1595, when the Town Council banned its playing on the grass around the High and Blackfriars church yards.
The pitch is much larger than that used in football matches and can be as long as 170 yards.
The goals, too, at ten feet are higher than in football. Unlike hockey, in shinty both sides of the stick can be used, and the ball can be played in the air.
