Scotland prepares for Indoor Grand Match

THOUSANDS of curlers from across Scotland will take to the ice this Saturday at venues across the country – including at Dumfries and Lockerbie – for the single biggest curling match in the world.

The Ambassador Cruise Line Indoor Grand Match is set to bring every corner of the country come together in one nationwide contest. Once again, it is North versus South, all played in the true spirit of Scottish curling.

And while the Indoor Grand Match may be played under a roof, its heart lies on frozen Scottish lochs.

The concept stems from the legendary Grand Match of old, which saw thousands of curlers gather on Loch Leven, Carsebreck and the Lake of Menteith whenever Scotland’s winter froze deep enough to bear the stones.

But with milder winters making outdoor play unreliable, Scottish Curling introduced the Indoor Grand Match in 2000 to ensure the tradition could continue whatever the weather.

The rules remain simple, in keeping with the traditions of the Grand Match. A line drawn between the River Forth and the River Clyde divides Scotland into two, North and South. Every curler in the country belongs to one of these regions.

On match day, hundreds of teams will play at once in ice rinks across the nation, from Kelso to Aberdeen, Dumfries to Inverness. Each game contributes to the overall tally, and at day’s end, one side claims the bragging rights and the coveted Grand Match Trophy.

This year, games will be hosted across 12 rinks: each venue will welcome local and travelling teams, all united in one massive, nationwide curling celebration.

Scottish Curling CEO Vincent Bryson said: “The Indoor Grand Match is a truly unique occasion. No other sport in the world can bring together this many people, in this many places, all competing as one. It embodies everything that makes curling special. Tradition, teamwork, friendship and pride.

“It’s an incredible reminder of how important curling is to Scotland and we can’t wait to see the passion, the rivalry and the camaraderie on show when the stones start sliding.”