Not long now - but will Judith let us play?

FANS, followers and players of the great sport of shinty are experiencing that familiar fluttering of butterflies as the Big Kick-off (or should that be Big Throw-up..?) to the 2015 season approaches.

There are some tasty ties lined up for the opening Saturday, March 7, with the juiciest prospect arguably being at the Eilan, where multiple premiership winners and current holders Newtonmore begin their title defence against the redoubtable team from Cowal, Kyles Athletic, fifth place finishers last time around.

And there are many more matches that will be fascinating to watch, as players knock off the winter rust - and snow - for shinty's summer season.

Talking of snow - the weather might just play a part in how the opening day shapes up. Heavy rain is forecast for the north-west of Scotland - and showers are possible anywhere.

As ever, we are at the mercy of the weather gods, and of BBC weather presenter Judith Ralston (pictured), of course.