Plug pulled on artificial pitch plan

THE first televised shinty match on an artificial surface is set to be delayed after a suitable ground could not be found.

The match was due to be staged this weekend as an opener to the new season. It would have made history as the first time shinty had been played on a synthetic park in front of the television cameras.

The proposal has been put on hold, with a park to fit both the requirements of shinty and the programmers unavailable.

Camanachd Association president Duncan Cameron said: “The concept has not been thrown out, but the proposed original date will not be met.

“The reason for this is there has been difficulties in finding a suitable venue. The broadcasters would want a facility which was floodlit and had an arena. To do that, we would have to look at other sports to hire a facility.

“That has proved difficult, especially fitting into the television slots.”