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

Snowdrop Argyll's shinty players and coach Laurene Cameron, far right

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.

Octogenarians Barbara Millar, left, and Heather Cameron have taken up playing shinty for the first time

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."

A coaching session at Snowdrop Argyll

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 Laurene Cameron, an ambassador for Sporting Memories Scotland.

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.

Laurene Cameron coaches at the shinty sessions

The sessions have proved popular with visitors to the centre

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 Sporting Memories Scotland and Age Scotland.

Through Age Scotland, the women have completed their 12-week Take 5 To Age Well 12 challenge where each participant worked on ways to improve their wellbeing, nutrition, hydration, social connections and boosting brain power.

Each participant received a certificate on completion.

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."