The Caman Connection

During my time playing at Fort William Shinty Club, six players that I trained and played alongside died by suicide. I made these programmes with the BBC to try and find out what help is available if you're not feeling your best, and to try and get a better understanding of why so many of my teammates felt they had no other option than to take their own lives.

Please be aware that some listeners may find parts of these episodes distressing, and if you too would like to talk to somebody, then please call the Samaritans for free who are available 24/7 on 116123.

During my time playing at Fort William Shinty Club, six players that I trained and played alongside died by suicide. I made these programmes with the BBC to try and find out what help is available if you're not feeling your best, and to try and get a better understanding of why so many of my teammates felt they had no other option than to take their own lives.

Please be aware that some listeners may find parts of these episodes distressing, and if you too would like to talk to somebody, then please call the Samaritans for free who are available 24/7 on 116123.

This is the last episode in the current series of The Caman Connection - Season 2 and the word 'legend' seems too common a word for a man of John MacKenzie's stature. Hero would seem more fitting. Join John and myself as he tells us about his own life story and what it was like playing for Newtonmore in their hey-day, alongside picking up 10 Camanachd Cup winning medals, amongst others. 

John's musical choices are

Jimmy Blue - River Cree

Donnie Munro - Sine Bhan

Dolly Parton - Yellow Rose 

This week I had the privilege of talking to one of Kyles Athletic's most successful players. With only a mere 14 Camanachd Cup Finals under his belt, Barney Crawford has quite literally done it all while holding a caman in hand, and regales us with some terrific memories from his playing days, and about a certain day that he nearly got lucky and a lumber from a Fort William half-back!

You won't hear many, or possibly any talk about Inveraray and it's history without Davy MacPherson's name crossing their lips. Davy himself a stalwart of Strachur and Inveraray during many of the clubs richest days, and listen to the great man tell in his own words what his experiences and memories are of those unforgettable times. 

Davy's musical choices are  

Mr Rock & Roll - Amy Macdonald 

Sunshine on Leith - The Proclaimers 

The Caman Man - Gary Innes

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Ballachulish shinty legend and coach, Iain 'Pongo' MacMillan. Iain starred with Ballachulish, Oban Camanachd and on the International stage throughout his shinty playing career and takes us on a wonderful trip down memory lane and reminisces about some of his own glory days. 

Iain's musical choices on this episode are:

Gleann Baile Chaoil - Karen Matheson

Caledonia - Dougie Maclean

Flower of Scotland - The Corries

It was an honour and a privilege to interview ex-player, youngest ever Camanachd Assosiation President and Chieftain, Donald Skinner. We chatted all about his life and love of the sport. Donald was extremely ill at the time of this recording, and unfortunately still is, which only goes to show the strength and character of the man - to not only agree to do the interview but to also hear him in such great spirits.

Donald's musical choices on this episode are:

1: Farewell to Skye/ Leaving Vaternish/ South Georgia Whaling Song - Fergie MacDonald 

2: Leaving Barra - Calum Kennedy

3: Always Argyll - Valerie Dunbar

*UPDATE* 

Donald sadly passed away on 24th March 2022, the very next day after we had published his interview. Our thoughts are with all of Donald's family, friends and to everybody who knew the great man at this time.

What a find!!

Hidden away in the Adelaide hills in Australia for the past five decades is Donald 'Dodo' MacDonald, a man who can still name the 1926 Brae Lochaber Camanachd Cup final squad. At 93 years old, Donald is still as sharp as ever and regales us with stories of his own prowess on the shinty field and recounts his first Camanachd Cup final as a boy in 1937.

Donalds musical choices on this episode are 

Frith nan Damh Ruadha - Fiona MacKenzie

Mo Ghleannan Taobh Loch Lìobhainn - The Battlefield Band

Donald MacDonald Leaving Glenroy - Donald MacDonald

This week I get the pleasure of talking to Kingussie legend Iain Ross about his upbringing in the village and his memories of his glory days in the sport.

Iain's musical choices on this episode are

John MacMillan of Barra -  Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain 

Dark Lochnagar - Calum Kennedy

Donald Maclean's Farewell to Oban - Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain 

Gary Innes talks to Derek Fraser who played for Kilmallie shinty club through their historic years in the 60's and was an integral part of the Kilmallie Camanachd Cup winning team for the first and only time in 1964. 

Derek's musical choices in this episode are.

Flower of Scotland - The Corries

Flatwater Fran - Transatlantic Sessions

Loch Maree Islands - Fergie MacDonald 

A look back in time to the shinty playing career of Taynuilt born, Johnny 'Squashie' MacFarlane and his Camanachd Cup success with GMA in the 70's

Johnny's musical choices in this episode are 

The Lights of Lochindaul - Gunna Sound

O mio babbino caro - Renée Fleming 

Shepherd's of the Etive - Claire Jordan