Shinty drops plan for random drugs testing

The Camanachd Association said drugs were not a problem in the sport

Shinty's governing body has decided against introducing random drugs tests for players.

The Camanachd Association said in early 2023 it planned to introduce the testing.

But new chief executive Ruari Davidson has told BBC Scotland News that no tests had been carried out since that date.

Following advice from Sportscotland he said the association would instead pursue an educational message to discourage drug use.

Mr Davidson added drugs were not a problem in shinty, an amateur sport, but were a cultural and societal issue.

And he said he hoped the game could be an advocate for highlighting the importance of clean sports.

Mr Davidson said the association had partnerships with charities including Scottish Action for Mental Health and Mikeysline.

He told BBC Scotland News: "I definitely see that as our role, supporting our clubs and supporting our players in where they can seek advice and support if they require that."

Random tests were previously a feature of cup finals and shinty-hurling internationals in the 1990s and 2000s.

The planned new wave of testing was initially to be done on a small scale but no decisions were made about potential punishments for players who tested positive.