The draw for Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup took place on Monday January 26 at the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Depot.
2026 marks half a decade of the Corpach-based company sponsoring the Balliemore Cup after a longstanding partnership with the Camanachd Association.
Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association said: "With the new season close at hand, the Balliemore Cup once again commands attention as clubs look ahead to the challenges the draw will bring.
"Last year saw Lochaber make history by lifting the trophy for a sixth time, though their promotion now takes them out of this season’s competition.
"That opens the door to fresh opportunity and renewed ambition across the field, with strong contenders emerging from all corners of the shinty map.
"The continued growth and standing of the Balliemore Cup owes much to the long-standing backing of Ferguson Transport and Shipping, whose support remains deeply valued."
The draw was conducted by Kevin and Jack Ferguson, Directors at Ferguson Transport & Shipping.
Alasdair Ferguson, Group Managing Director commented: "We are so very pleased and proud to continue with the great relationship we have built up over many years with the Camanachd Association and the shinty community, to once again sponsor the Balliemore Cup this year.
"The last number of years have been very competitive, and this year we feel will be no different with the likes of Beauly, Lovat, Kilmallie, Bute and GMA to name only a number of the teams, all in the cup draw, to compete for the National trophy.
"This year will be no exception; it will be another strongly contested cup competition."
Ferguson Transport & Shipping provide logistics nationally, throughout the UK. The business relocated to Spean Bridge from Ardrishaig in Argyll in 1974 and has grown considerably since.
The final will once again be played in Spean Bridge on Saturday July 25.
"We look forward to watching the draw unfold and no doubt we will be in for another exciting day of Shinty when the cup final comes round and one not to be missed," added Mr Ferguson.
"From all the directors and employees, we wish all the teams and players taking part the very best of luck and hope that our national sport of shinty, continues to shine through."
The draw
Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup 1st Round - May 16
Lovat v Aberdour
Glasgow Mid Argyll v Beauly
Inveraray v Strathglass
Byes: Bute; Glenurquhart; Kilmallie; Oban Celtic; Inverness
2nd Round - June 26
Lovat/Aberdour v Oban Celtic
Inveraray/Strathglass v Bute
Glasgow Mid Argyll/Beauly v Inverness
Kilmallie v Glenurquhart
Semi-finals - June 27
Inveraray/Strathglass/Bute v Kilmallie/Glenurquhart
Lovat/Aberdour/Oban Celtic v Glasgow Mid Argyll/Beauly/Inverness
Final - July 25
The Balliemore Cup is shinty’s intermediate cup competition and is open to 1st teams playing in the Mowi National, Mowi North 1 and Mowi South 1.
The cup takes its name from Colin MacRae of Balliemore and was initially named the Intermediate Championship with Bute running out winners of the maiden final after a 3-2 win over Glengarry in 1985.
They have since added four more titles, tying them for the record number of wins with Caberfeidh. The most recent champions are Lochaber, who lifted their fifth trophy after a 3-0 win over Inveraray in 2025.
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