THE new shinty season is set to return this weekend with Aberdour preparing for the start of a new campaign.

The club’s men’s first team will play in Mowi South Division One for the 2023 season, and are scheduled to open their fixtures with an away day at Kyles Athletic seconds.

Founded in 2001 by head coach, Lisa MacColl, the Silver Sands based team clinched an historic first league crown in 2019 by finishing top of South Division One.

That meant promotion into the National Division – the second tier of shinty – but, after playing their first-ever match at that level in March 2020, the season was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Competitive shinty did not return until the following year, when a revised league structure, which Aberdour were part of, was announced, before the regular calendar returned last year.

MacColl’s team returned for the start of what was their maiden National Division season, but, after picking up three draws in 14 matches, they finished bottom of the table.

They will now return to play in South Division One and, after making the trip to Kyles, they will play a further three games this month.

Ballachulish will be the first visitors of the campaign to West Fife on March 11, which is then followed by an away trip to Bute, and a home encounter with Ardnamurchan.

The South Division Two season will also begin this weekend and Aberdour’s second team will face off against Uddingston, with throw-up at Silver Sands scheduled for 2.30pm on Saturday.

They will then play a further two league games this month, at Inveraray seconds seven days later, and at home to Bute seconds on March 25.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s Camanachd Association (WCA) National Division, Aberdour are gearing up for their first match a week on Sunday.

The West Fifers will play host to Ardnamurchan A, with throw-up at 12pm, which will be followed a week later by another home fixture, against Glenurquhart A.

The club are seeking sponsors for the 2023 season, with a number of options available, including for individuals,teams, ball and shirt sponsorship.

For more information on such opportunities, and on the club, you can find them on Facebook.