We're playing shinty for the first time in our 80s

The traditional Scottish game of shinty is normally played by the fit young men and women of communities in the Highlands and Argyll.

But in one west coast village a group of women, some in their 80s, have taken up the normally lively sport for the very first time.

The Snowdrop Seniors, who are based in Lochgilphead, are developing their skills with the caman (stick) and ball while walking or even sitting in their chairs.

They say it helps keep them physically and mentally healthy - and improves their social life.

Heather Cameron, 89, is among those taking part at the sessions at Lochgilphead's Multiple Sclerosis Centre - better known as Snowdrop Argyll.

The centre supports people affected by neurological and other long-term conditions, or who have been feeling the effects of social isolation.

The former hotel manageress, who is originally from England and moved to Argyll 50 years ago, said she had not known about shinty until her grandsons started playing when they were pupils at the local high school.

"We used to go along to egg them on, standing in the freezing cold shouting their names. They are in their 20s now and still play," she said.

"Until I came here I didn't know about shinty at all. I didn't know anything about it until the boys started playing."

"It's great fun. Everybody can join in and it is a team game."

Former nurse of 40 years' service Barbara Millar is 80 and also trying out shinty for the first time.

She said: "There is no judgement of folks' capabilities. It's very good and everyone participates."

The women joked that the sessions could get competitive at times.

The sessions are led by wellbeing development worker and shinty coach Laurene Cameron.

She hopes to hold an outdoor session in the summer involving players from the local women's club.

"They are very good at wanting to learn new skills and it is something a little different that they can talk about to their friends and family," she said.

The coach said shinty was for all age groups and should not be limited to younger generations.

She said: "It's a great way to learn new skills, improve your hand-eye coordination, improves balance and more importantly it's fun and a great way to socialise.

"We have been pleasantly surprised by the response we have had and hope to continue to build the group over the next few months."

The scheme has been working with Age Scotland and also Shinty Memories Scotland - a mental health project involving a network of groups set up in shinty-playing communities, including in Badenoch, Lochaber and Beauly.

Social events are held to bring people together to look at archive images and videos of the sport.

Shinty's governing body, the Camanachd Association, said it was thrilled the Snowdrop Seniors had embraced the "spirit of shinty".

A spokesman said: "It's heartening to see how our sport unites generations, proving that age is no barrier to the joy of shinty.

"The amazing work of Shinty Memories Scotland and their cluster groups in bringing together older people to engage in the sport is truly inspiring.

"However, Laurene has gone one step further - amazing."