Cruise Loch Ness
16 October 2017
Loch Ness cruise company puts safety first for local shinty club
An award winning Highland cruise firm has made a significant investment in a number of safety helmets for a local shinty team.
Ronald and Debi Mackenzie, who own Cruise Loch Ness (CLN) in Fort Augustus, have sponsored 12 helmets to be used by members of Glengarry junior shinty team based at Invergarry.
Shinty’s ruling body, the Camanachd Association, has made it compulsory for all under 14s and under 17s to wear a helmet and faceguard in youth and senior competitions for a number of years.
However the helmets are expensive purchases for clubs or parents, with prices often starting at around £50 per helmet.
Mrs Mackenzie said CLN were delighted to help a local organisation: “Glengarry is the nearest shinty team to the CLN base – just seven miles down the road. A number of youngsters from both Invergarry and Fort Augustus are part of the successful team.
“We are delighted to help the club, which is an amateur organisation that is dependent on donations.
“Safety is a top priority in any sport but particularly one as fast paced and physical as shinty. We are sure the new helmets will be well used and will be an important protective addition for team members’ kits.”
Elaine Cameron, Glengarry junior team coach said the club was delighted with the new helmets: “We have seen an increase in attendance at our junior shinty coaching sessions so this generous donation comes at the right time for the club and we are very grateful.
“Our coaching sessions start from primary one upwards and helmets have become mandatory under the governing body so it is essential new members have access to the necessary equipment. Our club’s existence is down to our investment in junior shinty and youth development with our juniors coming through the ranks and feeding in to our senior men and women's teams. Shinty is a fantastic sport, which encourages children to be active and healthy whilst making lifelong friends playing competitive sport. Our club is run by volunteers, who give their time to keep shinty alive within our community. We rely heavily on sponsorship and support from within our community so it is great to have Cruise Loch Ness on board with this very generous donation."
Earlier this year MD of Cruise Loch Ness, Ronald Mackenzie was named Business Man of the Year at the inaugural Scottish SME awards.
Cruise Loch Ness has also recently invested in a £1.2 million pound catamaran, which is currently being commissioned and will be ready to set sail on Loch Ness by the end of the year.
Cruise Loch Ness, currently has two passenger vessels, as well as two ribs. It offers a range of boat rides, from leisurely to exhilarating. The staff at Cruise Loch Ness have exceptional knowledge of Loch Ness, its history and wildlife.
For more information go to www.cruiselochness.com