Shinty development audit

Friday 30 November 2001

Following the handing over of the Development Audit Report from the independent consultants to both the Camanachd Association and sportscotland, Donnie Grant, President of the Camanachd Association, and Ian Robson, Chief Executive of sportscotland met to discuss both organisation's initial views on the report's findings. 

"...we have been provided with a good starting point for addressing the key issues that have been identified as a result of the Audit."

Early responses from both officials have been positive and have cleared the way for further discussions following the Camanachd's Executive meeting on 14 December 2001.

The Audit, which includes valuable input from clubs, administrators, players and other stakeholders, provides an independent assessment of the critical issues affecting the Camanachd Association and its role in the development of shinty.

Whilst highlighting strengths as well as weaknesses, both parties agreed that the report opens up sufficient common ground for both organisations to consider a way forward.

Commenting Donnie Grant said: "By agreeing to the Audit's findings in principle, we both believe that it is now possible to find a way forward for the good of the development of the sport.  Whilst the Camanachd Association will have the opportunity to consider the report in more detail at its next meeting, I am of the opinion that we have been provided with a good starting point for addressing the key issues that have been identified as a result of the Audit. 

"It can only be to our advantage if we build on the wealth of knowledge and opinion that the process has given us and I am pleased that sportscotland's initial response has been positive as I recognise that their active support from here on in is important."

Ian Robson said: "It is already evident that the findings of the report will encourage both organisations to seek out common ground.  By identifying a series of critical issues that we can both accept and work together on, the effects of the Audit process are already starting to move us in a positive direction. 

" We look forward to engaging further with the Camanachd Association once it has had time to consider how it wishes to proceed from here, and hope to be in a position where we can discuss in full, which of the options will best  help the Camanachd Association  drive forward the processes of change."

The quality of information within the report is such that the Camanachd Association wishes to share it with all the contributors in a positive way and as a result a summary will be produced for the wider shinty audience once the Camanachd Association Executive has had time to consider the report in full at its next meeting.