The Littlejohn of Invercharron Challenge Vase, also known as the Littlejohn Vase, is a trophy in university shinty. It is the second most expensive sporting trophy in Scotland,[1] after the Scottish Cup. The Littlejohn Vase is competed for by university shinty teams on an annual basis, in a one-day event traditionally held at a different university every year, although since 2007 it has been held at St Andrews.

The Vase

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The vase is a facsimile in silver of the Warwick Vase discovered in 1770 and on display at the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. It is held in trust by the Aberdeen University Library. Due to its value a stand in quaich is given to the winning side as insurance costs mean the cup may not leave Aberdeen. In 1905 it was bequeathed to Aberdeen University Shinty Club by Alexander Littlejohn.[2] The vase has been played for since 1905, the year of its bequeathment.[1]

The Album

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Accompanying the trophy is an ornate album which depicts the history of the game of shinty as well as a record of Littlejohn's gift.

Winners

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2022 Littlejohn Vase Results
Pos Team
1st University of Strathclyde
2nd University of Aberdeen
3rd University of Edinburgh
2023 Littlejohn Vase Results
Pos Team
1st University of Strathclyde
2nd University of Edinburgh
3rd University of Aberdeen

1998 University of Glasgow at Perth[3]

The vase has been a prize for at least 100 years. In 2009 the competition was postponed but eventually played.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "University Shinty – Littlejohn Vase". www.skyecamanachd.com. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Littlejohn Vase information". Museum description. University of Aberdeen. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
  3. ^ The Saint Newspaper March 1998
  4. ^ "Littlejohn Vase -Troubles with Scheduling?". Bounc Bac forums. Bounci TV. 9–12 February 2009. Archived from the original on 10 May 2009. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
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