Fort Women aim for the heights in shadow of Ben Nevis

Players from teams competing in the league also attended last week’s launch alongside SWF Chief Executive Aileen Campbell and ScottishPower Brand Director Julie Keough.

Aileen Campbell said: "It’s fantastic to see a new team established in a part of Scotland that hasn’t had a women’s team.

"The arrival of Fort William follows Shetland joining the cup last year and both Ross County and Buckie Ladies being supported to further their ambitions by joining the senior pyramid.

ScottishPower also confirmed the return of its highly successful Highlands and Islands additional funding competition for a third year.

The initiative has already delivered targeted support to clubs and communities across the region, including Buckie Ladies, Brora Rangers, Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, Sutherland, Nairn St Ninian, Campbeltown Pupils, Muir of Ord Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

A further five awards of £1,000 are available in this year’s round.

Julie Keough, ScottishPower said: "The Highlands and Islands have been at the heart of our partnership with SWF, driving our mission to power the women’s game right across Scotland.

"But we know success doesn’t come easy for clubs here and we are acutely aware of the financial and logistical pressures clubs in the region can face.

"That is why our additional funding competition has delivered support to ten clubs to date, and why we are launching a third round, offering five further awards to help strengthen the women’s game where it’s needed most.

"It has been an incredible period for women’s football in the Highlands and Islands, and ScottishPower are excited to be a part of it."

The ScottishPower Highlands and Islands League 2026 season kicks off on Sunday March 1 with the following fixtures: Nairn St Ninian v Fort William; Clachnacuddin v Orkney Women; Caithness v Sutherland.