The Craft of Caman

Iain Ferguson While ‘shortages’ of various products always seem to be in the news, no-one has mentioned camans - shinty sticks. Vital to every shinty match, concern has been expressed that with a limited number of makers, production may not be able to keep up with demand.

Caman are built up from a number of layers - laminations - each cut to a different size, which are glued together and tightly clamped to ensure a good bond. The process continues with the assembly being cooked in an oven.

The lamination is also curved to form a head at the bottom of the stick, which is the ‘business end’ used to hit the ball. The creation of the head - ‘bas’ in Gaidhlig - is an incredibly detailed and skilled operation as it has to fit in with specific parameters to be acceptable for play. There are also a subtle range of shapes depending on its use by goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or forward. Each head has to be triangular in shape and must also be able to pass through a 2 1/2 inch (6cm) metal ring. It is also required to have rounded edges to reduce the possibility of injury should a player be struck with it. No metalwork or nails are allowed so the strength and longevity of the caman depends entirely on the quality of the bonding between the layers.

Despite the inherent strength built into the sticks, it may surprise you to learn that such is the stress put on them during play, most need to be replaced after only a few games.

As much of the caman production is carried out by skilled craftsmen as an addition to their joinery or woodworking business, it has recently been recognised as a ‘critically endangered craft’. In addressing this, a new project has been agreed between the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Camanachd Association, the governing body of shinty.

Both organisations will work together to explore opportunities around volunteering, work experience, education and training, coaching and community awareness in sharing and developing expertise in an effort to keep the craft alive into the future.

On a lighter note - what is the ideal gift for your favourite shinty player this Christmas?