Shinty helmets to become compulsory by 2027

The governing body of shinty has voted in favour of helmets becoming compulsory in the sport - but the ruling will not come into force until 2027.

Of those members eligible to vote, 36 voted in favour at the Camanachd Association's annual general meeting in Fort William at the weekend.

Thirty-five votes were required for the proposal to carry.

The new by-law means that all senior players must wear a compliant helmet in training and games.

A planned mandatory requirement for faceguards will not kick in until 2030.

Currently all under 25s must wear a compliant helmet and faceguard.

Ruari Davidson, who is chief executive of the Camanachd Association, said it was a welcome development which was important for the health and safety of all players.

He added that it was equally important that they created a sport which was welcoming, inclusive and supportive for a wider demographic.

He said there had been an almost 9% increase in membership of the governing body - with close to 50% of the total membership now made up of youth members, while women and girls made up a quarter.

Alongside the helmet by-law, association members also rejected an attempt by teams to allow five substitutions in a match.