LISTEN: Shinty Used In Dementia Support

The Shinty Memories scheme aims to support people with dementia through sport.

Published 18th Mar 2015

A new project is using Shinty to bring the past alive for people with dementia.

The Shinty Memories scheme aims to use the sport to engage patients suffering with the condition.

It's in partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Camanachd Association.

Fomrer manager of the Scottish national Shinty team, John MacKenzie MBE of Newtonmore, has been named as ambassador.

MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with Michael White, who spearheading the project...

Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan, who is assisting Alzheimer Scotland with their shinty project, said: “John MacKenzie’s iconic status within the game and his knowledge of the shinty community will be invaluable to the project as we develop its work.

"The impact of the groups so far has been remarkable, and the demand being created means that we will have to build up our resources as quickly as possible.

"This is a highly cost-effective way of helping people living with dementia in all our sporting communities, and I am delighted that shinty has been at the forefront of the developments.”