Anticipation is building across Perthshire as local rinks prepare to host a truly monumental event in the Scottish curling calendar this weekend. The eagerly awaited Indoor Grand Match, a nationwide spectacle that pits the North against the South, is making its triumphant return on Saturday, November 15, coinciding with National Curling Day. This year’s event holds particular significance, marking the first time in ten years that this grand competition has been held, following its postponement in 2020 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Bringing together an impressive 1,500 curlers from 250 clubs spread throughout Scotland, this contest is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and a rich sporting heritage. Participants will travel from all corners of the country, crossing an imaginary divide stretching from the River Forth to the River Clyde, to compete across twelve dedicated rinks. Once all stones have been thrown and all matches concluded, the scores from every game will be meticulously tallied to determine whether the North or South reigns supreme. Perth’s Dewars Centre at the Heart of the Action
Among the prestigious venues selected to host this curling extravaganza is Perth’s very own Dewars Centre, a hub of ice sports activity in the region. Curlers from far and wide will descend upon the city, bringing with them a vibrant atmosphere of competitive spirit. Local talent, like Isla Kinnear from the Abdie Ladies club, embodies the dual excitement surrounding the event. While keenly focused on helping the North secure a long-awaited victory, Isla is also an integral part of the Perth Curling team, dedicated to ensuring a warm welcome for all visitors to the Dewars Centre.
Spectators are not just encouraged, but actively invited, to immerse themselves in the excitement. The Dewars Centre boasts an extensive viewing gallery, offering an unparalleled vantage point from which to witness the intricate strategies and precise execution of ‘the roaring game.’ With curlers being piped onto the ice for three distinct sessions, each featuring eight captivating games, the centre promises a day brimming with energy and unforgettable moments. A Double Celebration for Kinross Curling
Adding an extra layer of festivity to this year’s Indoor Grand Match is the situation at Kinross Curling, another key host venue. The event coincides with a significant milestone for the Kinross Curling Trust, which recently finalised its ownership of the rink in late October, having previously leased it from the Green Hotel. This acquisition opens up exciting possibilities for the venue, which already draws hundreds of enthusiastic curlers from Kinross-shire and Fife every week. The trust has ambitious plans to further develop the facility, enhancing its role as a cornerstone of the local sporting community.
John Taylor, a dedicated member of the Kinross team orchestrating Saturday’s event, perfectly encapsulates the widespread passion. While deeply involved in the local preparations, John will also be heading to Edinburgh with his Fossoway club to compete in their own Indoor Grand Match tie. His sentiment reflects that of many: “Curling is a really sociable sport.” John is optimistic that the high-profile nature of this weekend’s competition, coupled with the warm hospitality on offer at the rinkside bar and restaurant in Kinross, will draw in many new faces. He hopes that some spectators will be inspired to take up a curling stone and broom themselves, perhaps boosted by the sport’s heightened profile during the upcoming Winter Olympics in February. From Frozen Lochan to Indoor Rinks: A Rich History
The Indoor Grand Match, first launched in 2000, is a modern iteration of a time-honoured tradition. It harks back to the historic Grand Matches once contested on Scotland’s frozen lochs, events that could see thousands of curlers gather on the ice simultaneously. However, changing climate patterns and milder winters have rendered large-scale outdoor gatherings a rarity. The last outdoor Grand Match took place in February 1979, when the North famously triumphed at the picturesque Lake of Menteith. Further back in time, Loch Leven, another iconic Perth and Kinross location, last hosted an outdoor grand match in January 1959.
Both the Dewars Centre in Perth and Kinross Curling are actively fostering new talent, offering ‘Try Curling’ sessions and comprehensive beginner classes. These initiatives provide an excellent opportunity for newcomers to experience the unique blend of skill, strategy, and social interaction that defines this captivating sport. This weekend’s Indoor Grand Match is not just a competition; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of curling and a vibrant celebration of local sporting life in Perth and Kinross.
Bringing together an impressive 1,500 curlers from 250 clubs spread throughout Scotland, this contest is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and a rich sporting heritage. Participants will travel from all corners of the country, crossing an imaginary divide stretching from the River Forth to the River Clyde, to compete across twelve dedicated rinks. Once all stones have been thrown and all matches concluded, the scores from every game will be meticulously tallied to determine whether the North or South reigns supreme. Perth’s Dewars Centre at the Heart of the Action
Among the prestigious venues selected to host this curling extravaganza is Perth’s very own Dewars Centre, a hub of ice sports activity in the region. Curlers from far and wide will descend upon the city, bringing with them a vibrant atmosphere of competitive spirit. Local talent, like Isla Kinnear from the Abdie Ladies club, embodies the dual excitement surrounding the event. While keenly focused on helping the North secure a long-awaited victory, Isla is also an integral part of the Perth Curling team, dedicated to ensuring a warm welcome for all visitors to the Dewars Centre.
Spectators are not just encouraged, but actively invited, to immerse themselves in the excitement. The Dewars Centre boasts an extensive viewing gallery, offering an unparalleled vantage point from which to witness the intricate strategies and precise execution of ‘the roaring game.’ With curlers being piped onto the ice for three distinct sessions, each featuring eight captivating games, the centre promises a day brimming with energy and unforgettable moments. A Double Celebration for Kinross Curling
Adding an extra layer of festivity to this year’s Indoor Grand Match is the situation at Kinross Curling, another key host venue. The event coincides with a significant milestone for the Kinross Curling Trust, which recently finalised its ownership of the rink in late October, having previously leased it from the Green Hotel. This acquisition opens up exciting possibilities for the venue, which already draws hundreds of enthusiastic curlers from Kinross-shire and Fife every week. The trust has ambitious plans to further develop the facility, enhancing its role as a cornerstone of the local sporting community.
John Taylor, a dedicated member of the Kinross team orchestrating Saturday’s event, perfectly encapsulates the widespread passion. While deeply involved in the local preparations, John will also be heading to Edinburgh with his Fossoway club to compete in their own Indoor Grand Match tie. His sentiment reflects that of many: “Curling is a really sociable sport.” John is optimistic that the high-profile nature of this weekend’s competition, coupled with the warm hospitality on offer at the rinkside bar and restaurant in Kinross, will draw in many new faces. He hopes that some spectators will be inspired to take up a curling stone and broom themselves, perhaps boosted by the sport’s heightened profile during the upcoming Winter Olympics in February. From Frozen Lochan to Indoor Rinks: A Rich History
The Indoor Grand Match, first launched in 2000, is a modern iteration of a time-honoured tradition. It harks back to the historic Grand Matches once contested on Scotland’s frozen lochs, events that could see thousands of curlers gather on the ice simultaneously. However, changing climate patterns and milder winters have rendered large-scale outdoor gatherings a rarity. The last outdoor Grand Match took place in February 1979, when the North famously triumphed at the picturesque Lake of Menteith. Further back in time, Loch Leven, another iconic Perth and Kinross location, last hosted an outdoor grand match in January 1959.
Both the Dewars Centre in Perth and Kinross Curling are actively fostering new talent, offering ‘Try Curling’ sessions and comprehensive beginner classes. These initiatives provide an excellent opportunity for newcomers to experience the unique blend of skill, strategy, and social interaction that defines this captivating sport. This weekend’s Indoor Grand Match is not just a competition; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of curling and a vibrant celebration of local sporting life in Perth and Kinross.