ABERDOUR youngster David MacDougall showcased his burgeoning talent by picking up a top accolade at a National Player Development Camp.

MacDougall was one of five 'Dour players who attended the event at Strathallan School from July 17-21st, which provides some of the country's brightest shinty prospects with specialist training from Camanachd Association coaches.

A total of 58 players aged between 14-17, each of whom were nominated by their respective clubs to take part, attended the camp and MacDougall picked up the most improved player award, one of three prizes on offer at the camp's conclusion.

Throughout the week, players were coached on the key skills, tactics, physical and psychological aspects of the game, while they also received talks from former shinty player and Hearts footballer Donald Park, and Scottish Rugby's under-18 coach Andy Henderson.

Aberdour coach Lisa MacColl said: "The comments from the coaches afterwards were that David was worthy of the award because of his attitude, effort and improvement. I've mentioned a few times that he is an up-and-coming player who has been in the first team, and this reinforces the work that he's been doing.

"We put five players forward and they were all selected for the camp, which was great. It is nice to get recognition at the level, both for David and the club."

Meanwhile there was further success for the club on Sunday July 31 when Aberdour brought home the Rosedean Shield at the annual Inverness Sixes tournament.

Hosted by Inverness Shinty Club, the event is regarded as one of the sport's best six-a-side tournaments and, captained by Craig Girvan, the Silver Sands team were winners of the Rosedean Shield, competed for by teams who have not reached the latter stages of the Jubilee Shield competition.

'Dour defeated Inverness 'B' 2-0 in the final and MacColl added: "The team only lost one goal in the entire tournament, and that was to Inverness 'A', who lost to Caberfeidh in the main final. They still had to finish second in their group and it is a big achievement."