Wednesday, 16 August 2023

Glasgow Mid Argyll half/wing forward Ewen Fraser has been a serial winner in his career.

The 28-year-old, has collected silverware from the bottom to the top division, but most recently for his current side and for Newtonmore.

Here, he offers a glimpse into a few of his highs and lows within the sport.

What is your earliest shinty memory? 

When I was four or five, I would go down to play at the Boleskine shinty pitch at Foyers. I think the old pavilion was still in use.

Who was your senior debut against and can you recall the result?

It was for Boleskine away to Glengarry in what was a one-off cup match. I think they played an annual match against different teams as part of a local Highland Games. I was 14 at the time, we lost 4-1 but I came on as a substitute and scored our consolation goal.

What is your best moment in the sport so far?

I’ve won something at every club I’ve played for, which meant so much to all the teams at that time.

Winning the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup last year with GMA (in a 1-0 victory over Kyles Athletic) was huge as the club hadn’t won it for more than 40 years.

Overall though, I’d say my highlight was winning the Camanachd Cup in 2018 with Newtonmore. We won the treble that year and it had been something I’d always dreamt of.

And the worst?

Losing the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup final 2-0 to Oban Camanachd this year. It was the first senior final I had lost, so it was a tough one to take.

What is the worst injury you have suffered in shinty? 

I have been relatively fortunate in terms of injuries, but last year in the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup final, I tore a few muscles around my hip, which meant I could not compete in any sport for around six months. Rehab took a while. Thankfully, I am now back to full fitness.

Newtonmore, winners of the 2018 Camanachd Cup final against Lovat. Image: Neil Paterson

Who is the joker in your team?

There are a couple of contenders, but I’ll opt for Gary Luke. He always has something up his sleeve.

What is your favourite away ground and why? 

In terms of playing surface, it would have to be The Dell (at Kingussie). It is always so good and great to play on.

I do also have great memories of The Eilan at Newtonmore. I always enjoy going back there. I was at Newtonmore for two years and moved to Glasgow for work in 2019, which is where I have been since.

Who is the rival player you would love to have in your team and why?

It is hard to look past the Morrison brothers at Caberfeidh. I would always have said Blair because I have played against him a couple of times and they have always been very tough games. He’s a very good all-round player.

If it was for GMA at the moment, I would pick Craig because it would be great to add his goalscoring threat to the team.

What is the favourite goal scored by you or a team-mate? 

My own favourite goal was in the Camanachd Cup semi-final in 2018 at An Aird. We were playing Kilmallie and I put us 1-0 ahead.

It ended 1-1 and Toshy (Andy MacKintosh) hit the winning penalty, which is one I will also never forget.

Describe shinty in three words?

Physicality, commitment and community.

If Ewen has inspired you to give shinty a go, then please email Catriona at catriona-dir@sfctrust.org.uk to find out how you can get involved with our local team Boleskine Camanacd.

2026

February (2 stories)

3 February 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

The Mobile Library is rolling into the area tomorrow, Wednesday 4th February, so pop along and say hello to Mark! Stop & time: • The Wildside Centre &ndash...

3 February RSABI Fundraising Event

Don't miss out on an incredible evening of music and laughter with the talented Farmers Choir performing in Aviemore late February in aid of RSABI and SAYFC.  ...

January (12 stories)

28 January Six Nations: Scotland 🆚 England LIVE at The Wildside

💘 This Valentine’s Day, find someone who loves you as much as you love rugby 🏉   We’re streaming Six Nations: Scotland 🆚 England LIVE at The Wil...

27 January 🌳 Development of Inverfarigaig Forest School 🌳

A community member has been in touch about the possibility of setting up a Forest School within our community. With the support of the Community Trust, a short survey has...

26 January 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

The Mobile Library will be in the area tomorrow, Wednesday 27th January, so pop along and say hello to Mark!   📍 Stopping points & times: • Errogi...

22 January 🔥 Free Firewood Available – Whitebridge Area 🔥

A member of our local community, has been in touch with Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (SFCT) to let us know that he has a significant amount of larch firewood...

21 January Large grant application from BCC for Foyers Stores Acquisition - Update

A Board meeting is taking place this evening in order for Directors of SFCT to consider the application and agree their recommendation. As the Chair of SFCT explained at ...

20 January Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who came along to the public meeting at the Wildside last night. We had a fantastic turnout, with 110 people attending in person and 26 joining u...

19 January Agenda for Public Meeting - Regarding the Foyers Stores Acquisition

Please find the agenda for tonight’s public meeting at the Wildside Centre regarding the proposed community acquisition of Foyers Stores.   1. Welcome &n...

14 January Apply for our Project Coordinator role

👋 Friendly reminder!   There’s still time to apply for our Project Coordinator role at Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust ...

8 January Notice to the Community: Change of Date for Public Meeting on Foyers Stores

Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust (SFCT) would like to update the community regarding the previously announced public meeting relating to the proposed purchase of F...

7 January 🌟 New Year, New Opportunities! 🌟

Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust is here to support your projects with our grants! 💡✨ 📅 Next application deadline: 21st March 2026 Learn more about ...

6 January 🎉 Calling all community organisers! 🎉

Do you run a class, group or one-off activity in one of the local buildings? We’d love to help spread the word! 💛 Our SFCT Community Calendar is looking a ...

6 January Mobile Library Visit Cancelled – Wednesday 7th January 2026

👋 Hello and welcome to 2026 from SFCT! 🎉 We bring news from the Mobile Library as our first update of the year. 📚 Mobile Library Visit Cancelled – Wednesday ...