Ferguson Transport & Shipping 2026 Balliemore Cup draw

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.