Question for Scottish mnetters about the curling

[Clearinguptheclutter]

So like many I get slightly obsessed with the curling every 4 years and hear nothing about it in between

I live in England and grew up in Wales. Despite some ice rinks around, I’m not aware of curling being a “thing” at all.

which makes me think, in Scotland is it something that everyone learns as a child? Are there rinks everywhere?
or is seen as a niche/middle class/even elitist thing? Genuinely curious.
it’s a shame it’s not more of a thing south of the border it’s a great game IMO

Most rinks run Try Curling sessions - for all ages.

google should let you know what’s nearby

the season ends mid to late march so now is the time or you will need to wait until the autumn.

maybe there was a link with farming in days gone by but no requirement these days

I’m rural but relatively close to Perth and lots of the local kids have had a go at curling, There’s a rink that’s used for curling training and they do outreach programs with local schools. One dc was keen and did it as a summer camp thing, Curling in the morning then off to pool (next door)in afternoon.

I think it’s one of those it depends if you have decent local facilities things. Never heard of anyone doing it in Edinburgh.

I live in between three major rinks two are home to Ice Hockey and Curling is played in both, I live a couple of miles from a small dedicated curling rink. I have taken lessons but wasn’t very good. Lawn Bowls is also a very popular sport in the area and my grandparents were both in teams and played extensively. This was what I learned as a child and why I wanted to try Curling. Turns out the skills are not transferrable 😂

We go to Stranraer often and it’s huge there, the had the first hotel (I think) with a curling rink, there’s a big training centre in Stirling.

All the stone comes from Ailsa Craig off our lovely coast and I do know someone who plays but he’s in his 80s now. Dad played in a comp once and we all went to the Trossachs for the weekend to watch.

Can’t remember much about the curling but remember Dad’s sunroof was leaking and Grandpa had to have his hood up all the way home.

no, we don’t learn it at school, but that would be awesome if we did.

Yes, once we graduate from tossing cabers we move onto highland dancing followed by haggis hunting and finally curling.

There is medical evidence that babies fed on atholl brose instead of breastmilk then weaned onto cullen skink and black bun tend to have a better eye for it though.