Ross Cowie (born 13 February 1960) is former shinty player and manager from Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland. He is affectionately known as The Colonel.
Throughout his career, Cowie was involved with Skye Camanachd and was manager when they won the Camanachd Cup in 1990 In all he has been manager of Skye Camanachd 3 times, covering an aggregate of 8 years. [1] His father, Willie played for Skye Camanachd also, as well as Lovat Shinty Club. His uncle Dave Cowie played for Aberdeen FC in 1939.
Because of a serious heart condition, cardiomyopathy, Cowie has retired from involvement in the playing side of the sport but has retained a position as president of Skye Camanachd He is still proactive in the running of the club despite his serious heart condition and in January 2010 spoke to the press about the need for his club to improve performances at all levels, but in particular at second team level.[2]
After a cardiac arrest in December 2006, he became involved in fundraising and raising awareness of cardiac conditions throughout the Highlands of Scotland thorough his charity, Lucky2BHere.[3] Lucky2BHere focuses on making acute care available in remote areas of the Highlands.[4]
In December 2010, Cowie made a dramatic return to top-level shinty with his re-appointment as assistant manager of Skye. He assisted manager Aonghas MacDonald and was supported by his two star players from the 1990 victory, his brother Willie and Albert Smith Medal winner, Willie MacRae.[5]
He became the Skye Camanachd "Director of Shinty" in late 2012 whilst continuing to raise awareness over cardiac issues in rural areas.