A painting, dubbed one of the treasures of the game of shinty, has gone on show for the first time in more than half a century.
The work entitled A Highland Landscape with a Game of Shinty had disappeared from public view in 1962 – although it had frequently been used in books and articles exploring the history of the sport.
It triggered a three year search by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery who wanted to include the painting in their Playing for Scotland exhibition.
It was uncovered in the private collection of a descendant of the last known owner and is now on long term loan to the Edinburgh gallery.
The landscape oil on canvas is attributed to Daniel Cunliffe and A. Smith of Mauchline in Ayrshire and was painted around 1840.
It was unveiled in the gallery at a special ceremony yesterday, attended by the sport’s noted commentator and historian Hugh Dan MacLennan.
Jim Barr, president of the sport’s Camanachd Association said: “The association is delighted that the iconic painting has been located, and will be on display.
“The scene very much embodies the spirit of the game, which is still played in some of the most attractive settings in the world.”
It is unknown where exactly the frantic action depicted took place but it is believed the stunning landscape area could be on the Cluny estate near Newtonmore.
The Badenoch and Strathspey Shinty Heritage Project believe the scene almost certainly depicts one of the famous shinty ball-plays organised by Cluny Macpherson, chief of Clan Chattan.
The setting and painting are seen as the source of many depictions of shinty which followed from the mid-19th century.
