In January 1979, these Blantyre lads successfully pioneered the traditional Highland game of Shinty in Lanarkshire, but they had a problem with nowhere to play!

Teachers John McFarlane and David Aitken of Blantyre High were forced to issue a plea asking for help due to inadequate sporting facilities in Blantyre. Blantyre High School had started up TWO shinty teams in 1978 under the guidance of these 2 teachers and by 1979 had played more than 20 friendly and competitive games.

The Blantyre High Junior Shinty Team are pictured in January 1979. Do you recognise any of the team?

Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:

Gordon Frew I Played Shinty for BHS too 87,88 I think got a couple of photos somewhere

George Hay How many of these students can you remember Johnny MacFarlane ? Scott Hay you’re in the front row, can you name any of them?

Andrew MacFarlane Fantastic picture, great days shinty training in the gym hall, some great:shinty players from Blantyre in the 80s and 90s!

George Hay Don’t forget the 70’s too Andrew, lol!

Lee Fleming Back row l to r : Kevin Knowles, David Gallagher, Willie Bell, Craig Reid, Ross Gilchrist, Crawford Ferguson, David Campbell, Gordon Anderson and John Caithness . Front Row l to r : Andy Jamieson, Scott Hay, Joe Chatham, Alex Murray and Lee Fleming

Lee Fleming I remember the great pupils v teachers game at Low Blantyre Public Park when I was in 4th. Year – we hammered McFarlane , McConnichie and co – you taught us too well John.

Blantyre Project photos of that are coming in 3 weeks.

Lee Fleming Who from?

Blantyre Project Think they were from local papers. Reporters were there covering the match that day. Theres definitely great photo of the teachers “squaring up” to the pupils.