What is the Kirkwall Ba'? To summarise, the Kirkwall Ba' is a unique and traditional game contested between two sides, 'Uppies' and 'Doonies', that normally takes place on Christmas and New Year's Day-excepting Sundays. The object of the Up-the-Gates is to take the ba' up the street to their goal, while the Down-the-gates attempt to force it Down-street to the harbour.
Watch this video to see highlights of the New Year's Mens Ba 2024
Personally, I feel so privileged to take part in such a unique and special tradition in my home town. As a Kirkwallian, it is hard to really describe what the Ba' means to me. Win or lose, I just love the feeling you get from being part of a close-knit team, everyone pushing and hauling as one and putting their body on the line for their team-mates.