Shinty, which is a Scottish game very similar to hurling, has had long links with its Irish counterpart. The GAA and the Camanachd Association (shinty's ruling body in Scotland) have had contact going back to 1897.

Meaningful compromise shinty/hurling rules games between Ireland and Scotland started in 1972. Seven international matches were held between 1972 and 1979 with Scotland's best performance being a 55 draw in Glasgow in 1976.

This international series was revived in 1988. Since then, there have been eight under 21 matches with Scotland winning in 1990, but they were beaten convincingly 6-3 in 1992. Since then, however, the Scots have remained undefeated.

Both ruling bodies have agreed a four-year programme of commitment to these international meetings which they see as a good opportunity to develop an international dimension to their respective codes.

Shinty is generally played in the Scottish Highlands, central lowlands, the cities and universities of Scotland but particularly with that part of the country strongly related to Gaelic culture. There are around 100 hurlers in Ireland to every shinty player in Scotland.