Fort William FC have become the newest team to join the ScottishPower Women’s Highlands and Islands League, whose 2026 campaign kicks off on Sunday 1 March.
Representatives from Scottish Women’s Football (SWF), ScottishPower and broadcaster Eilidh Barbour officially welcomed the club at the 2026 league launch, held beneath the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Fort William are the latest women’s side to enter SWF’s senior competitions in the Highlands, following Shetland’s addition to the ScottishPower Highlands & Islands League Cup in 2025.
ScottishPower also confirmed the return of its highly successful Highlands and Islands additional funding competition for a third year. The initiative has already delivered targeted support to clubs and communities across the region, including Buckie Ladies, Brora Rangers, Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, Sutherland, Nairn St Ninian, Campbeltown pupils, Muir of Ord Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A further five awards of £1,000 are available in this year’s round.
Although the fund is open to all grassroots women’s and girls’ clubs in the Highlands and Islands, players from teams competing in the league attended the launch for photography and interviews, alongside SWF Chief Executive Aileen Campbell and ScottishPower Brand Director Julie Keough.
Commenting, Aileen Campbell said: “The impact of our landmark partnership with ScottishPower on our Highlands and Islands league has been transformational, giving football in the Highlands additional investment and visibility, and providing direct support to clubs where it is most needed.
“It’s fantastic to see a new team established in a part of Scotland that hasn’t had a women’s team. The arrival of Fort William follows Shetland joining the cup last year and both Ross County and Buckie Ladies being supported to further their ambitions by joining the senior pyramid.
“I’m also delighted to see the funding competition continue into this third year, which recognises the additional challenges that face clubs across the Highlands and Islands, and supports clubs where it is needed most. Good luck to all senior and youth teams who apply.”
Julie Keough, ScottishPower said: “The Highlands and Islands have been at the heart of our partnership with SWF, driving our mission to power the women’s game right across Scotland. Buckie Ladies lifting the trophy last year was a brilliant moment for everyone involved and it’s clear that their success last season, and strong progress this year, shows the impact targeted investment can have.
“But we know success doesn’t come easy for clubs here and we are acutely aware of the financial and logistical pressures clubs in the region can face. That is why our additional funding competition has delivered support to ten clubs to date, and why we are launching a third round, offering five further awards to help strengthen the women’s game where it’s needed most.”
“It’s been an incredible period for women’s football in the Highlands and Islands, and ScottishPower are excited to be a part of it.”
Local MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Kate Forbes commented that “Fort William FC’s debut in the Highlands and Islands League is a hugely positive step forward for the club and the wider development of women’s sport in the region. Expanding the league creates important new opportunities for women and girls to participate, and to energise women’s football.
“I know that clubs in the Highlands and Islands often face additional challenges, particularly when it comes to funding and equipment, and so the continued support from ScottishPower is very welcome, providing the investment that is needed to ensure a level playing field and the long-term health and legacy of the game.“
The ScottishPower Highlands and Islands League 2026 season kicks off on Sunday 1st March with the following fixtures:
Nairn St Ninian v Fort William
Clachnacuddin v Orkney Women
Caithness v Sutherland
