A shinty stick belonging to a former prisoner of war who outsmarted the Nazis by speaking Gaelic is now being showcased at a new exhibition that pays tribute to the underrated sport. Lance Corporal James “Ginger” Wilson, along with his comrades Private William Kemp and Corporal Sandy MacDonald, crafted this stick dating back to 1923. The trio managed to escape the clutches of the Germans in 1940 by using their native Gaelic language to confuse their captors and convince them that they were from the Soviet Union.
The stick is currently on display at the West Highland Museum in Fort William, where the prestigious Camanachd Cup Final is set to take place. This exhibition, titled “Camanachd: Geama Aosda nan Gleann Abrachâ (Shinty: Ancient Game of the Lochaber Glens), delves into the history of shinty, its Gaelic connections, and showcases the three local teams – Fort William, Lochaber, and Kilmallie.
The exhibition also sheds light on the early days of shinty in the Highlands, with Brae Lochaber being one of the pioneering clubs to join the Camanachd Association and play a significant role in drafting the sport’s rules. One of the standout items on display is a cup runner-up medal from 1897, marking Brae Lochaber’s loss to Beauly in the final game. Additionally, there are two MacTavish Cup medals on loan from shinty player and broadcaster Gary Innes, adding to the rich tapestry of shinty history.
Amidst the memorabilia, the story of Lance Corporal James “Ginger” Wilson stands out as a testament to resilience and ingenuity. Wilson, a prolific shinty stick maker, escaped twice from German captivity during World War II, thanks to his quick thinking and knowledge of Gaelic. The stick that he crafted in 1923 now stands as a symbol of his bravery and survival.
Peter McIntyre, who inherited the stick from Wilson, fondly remembers his neighbor’s tales of escape and craftsmanship. McIntyre, a former Camanachd Cup winner himself, has ensured that Wilson’s legacy lives on by donating the stick to the museum for all to see. He believes that highlighting such stories is crucial, especially in the lead-up to the Camanachd Cup, the pinnacle of shinty competition.
As the exhibition unfolds, it not only showcases remarkable artifacts but also highlights the role of shinty in shaping communities and preserving cultural heritage. Kenny MacIntosh, the driving force behind the exhibition, emphasizes the importance of preserving shinty’s history and the contributions of local clubs like Brae Lochaber. Through the stories of players like James MacDonald, a Camanachd Cup winner who perished in World War I, visitors can connect with the human side of the sport and its enduring legacy.
Vanessa Martin, the curator of the West Highland Museum, underscores the significance of recognizing shinty as a vital part of Scotland’s cultural heritage. She emphasizes the need to give shinty the recognition it deserves and engage the local community in celebrating its rich history. The exhibition serves as a platform for storytelling, bringing to life the tales of players, clubs, and the evolution of shinty over the years.
Subheadings:
The Great Escape: How Gaelic Helped Defeat the Nazis
Preserving Legacy: The Story Behind Wilson’s Shinty Stick
Shinty’s Cultural Impact: Celebrating Tradition and Community
Shinty’s roots in Scotland can be traced back to ancient times, with its origins intertwined with Gaelic language and Irish mythology. Dr. Hugh Dan MacLennan, a renowned shinty historian, has highlighted the sport’s deep historical significance and its evolution over the years. The migration of Scots to industrial cities in England led to the establishment of shinty clubs that later incorporated football, paving the way for iconic teams like Chelsea and Manchester United.
The legacy of shinty lives on through exhibitions like the one at the West Highland Museum, where artifacts and stories come together to paint a vivid picture of the sport’s journey. From daring escapes to championship victories, shinty’s impact on Scottish culture and heritage is undeniable. As visitors immerse themselves in the world of shinty, they are not just witnessing history but becoming part of a tradition that continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.
