MARINE HARVEST STEPS UP A LEAGUE

(l-r) Russell Jones, Kingussie coach and Marine Harvest managing director Alan Sutherland enjoy a giggle with Lochaber coach Ally Ferguson

MARINE Harvest (Scotland) Ltd and the Camanachd Association have sealed a six figure sponsorship deal - the largest single sponsorship investment in the sport to date.

Marine Harvest will become title sponsor of the premier league of shinty. The top division will be known as the Marine Harvest Premiership, as the firm continues its support of national league and north/south area leagues.  

The three-year agreement also includes support for women’s and youth shinty, the Scotland senior national team, the annual shinty/hurling international and the sport’s annual awards night.

The company has now been supporting shinty for 30 years, representing one of Scotland’s longest running sport sponsorships.

Jim Barr, President of the Camanachd Association, said: “The support shown by Marine Harvest over many years, and today extended for a further three, adds tremendous value to the continued promotion and development of our sport. 

“The whole shinty community will be delighted that such a successful company continues to show such faith in our great game.”

Alan Sutherland, managing director of Marine Harvest (Scotland) Ltd, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for shinty, having seen it thrive and develop at all levels.  We are very pleased to sponsor the Premier League and to continue our commitment to the area and national leagues, as well as women’s and youth shinty. 

“Marine Harvest is 50 years old and is the largest salmon farming company in Scotland. Shinty is a great fit with the areas where we farm and process our fish and we are proud to be able to play our part in supporting the game.”

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said; “We are delighted to see the partnership between the Camanachd Association and Marine Harvest continue.  

“The relationship is remarkable in the length of the association and level of commitment shown by Marine Harvest, something that is clearly delivering significant benefit to the continued development of one of Scotland’s most iconic sports. We look forward to working with the association and its partners in the years ahead.”