The President's Chat

Delighted to introduce Jimmy Reaburn (on the right) the new RCCC President following the RCCC AGM last Saturday. Jimmy hails from Hamilton Ice Rink where he is Chairman of The Management Board. Jimmy is a local curler turning out for his club Avondale Heather CC and has represented Scottish Curling on the Strathcona Cup Tour to Canada in 2013. A very successful businessman Jimmy appreciates the importance of grass roots curling, efficient management and developing the game. Welcome Jimmy and best wishes for your term in office. At this time I also welcome Ali Asher (on the left) to the role of Vice-President. Ali is a member of Nairn CC so it is great to see the North of Scotland represented by such a worthy curler and able businessman. Best wishes to you as well Ali, I am certain you will make a great team.

Time for me to sign off this page as no longer President. It has been a roller coaster of a term in office with many challenges and as many positives. I wish the new RCCC President Jimmy Reaburn all success I am certain we have the right man for the job in post. Thank you to all those whose paths I have crossed you have all reminded me what a terrific sport curling is full of fun, fellowship, successes and commitment. I will continue to do what I can to assist the fight for ice rinks survival through my role as Chairman of SIRA and I look forward to seeing as many curlers as I can on the ice come the new season. Bye for now.

Well that's a wrap folks RCCC AGM done and dusted. A massive thank you to all the FIS staff and volunteers who have put in a fair old shift over the past week to ensure a successful AGM. Really cannot thank you all enough a truly great . Despite the challenges facing rinks Forfar is alive, kicking and fighting through. Time now to get working on the new seasons bookings.

Tonights the night folks for the Presidents Curlers Gathering at my home rink in Forfar. Hope as many curlers as possible make it along for a nice social catch up.

Words cannot express how sad I feel right now. As a curler, an ice rink owner, RCCC President and a friend to many Ayr curlers this is a devasting blow for ice sports in Scotland. Despite all the hard work by the Ayr board, the curlers and the lobbying going on in the background by industry officials this unfortunate position has been reached by the Ayr board today. The fight must go on to get support to help rinks through the energy crisis and beyond.

We are extremely saddened to learn of the closure of Ayr Ice Rink and appreciate what difficult a decision this must have been for everyone involved in the running of the facility. Ayr hosts more than 30 clubs with some 500 members, and it is a great shame to see them lose their home ice.
The current economic situation poses unprecedented challenges to ice rinks across Scotland, as recently witnessed by the announcements by Perth and Kinross Council regarding Dewars Centre in Perth.
‘The hike in energy costs is a very serious issue and rinks also have to contend with inflation running at about ten per cent on all other costs,’ said Mike Ferguson, president of the Scottish Ice Rink Association (SIRA).
‘Extensive discussion and debate is needed at this critical time. Meetings have taken place with MSPs, MPs, councillors, governing bodies, and agencies to highlight the situation. This groundwork to scope out the scale of the problem and how to best address it is encouraging, but we need action to come from our lobbying.’
Scottish Curling continues to relentlessly make the case at national level for the benefits ice rinks offer to communities and individuals. We sincerely hope that these pleas will be acted upon by politicians and funders sooner rather than later and support for our rinks is forthcoming.
For the time being, the Scottish Curling Board have formed a working group to examine options to support Ayr Ice Rink, as well as other rinks under threat of succumbing to economic and other outside pressures.
Chair of the Board Graham Lindsay also called on the RCCC membership: ‘The continued support from curlers across Scotland is essential – keep ice booking up and support your local rink to keep them ticking over through this crisis. They need you now more than ever before.’

Busy week ahead in the run up to the RCCC AGM at Forfar. To all curlers wherever you are looking forward to seeing you either at the curlers gathering on Friday night or at the AGM or at both.

When your team mate steals the show at the Highland, bet you missed your sweepers. Seriously well done to all the team promoting curling this weekend.

Nice trip on a sunny day down to Kays Curling to hand in some blades for sharpening. Always good to see this factory working away with new stones boxed up and ready to be shipped to the Netherlands and the USA. Good of them to make son Andrew feel so welcome on arrival by putting his name in the gate.

If you are attending the RCCC AGM on 1st July we will be doing buffet lunches from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. With spaces limited we would respectively ask for pre-reservations by calling 01307 468668 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Looking forward to hosting the AGM and welcoming curlers to Forfar.

Scottish Curling is delighted to announce the appointment of Vincent Bryson to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club following a rigorous selection process, well supported by sportscotland. Vincent will take up the permanent position with immediate effect.

Graham Lindsay, Chair of the RCCC said: 'We are impressed by Vinny’s enthusiasm, drive, and strategic vision.

'He brings with him a wealth of experience across multiple other sports, and we look forward to moving to a laser focus on the implementation of our new strategy Sweeping Change - The Future of Curling, concentrating on building thriving curling communities across Scotland.'

Vincent commented: 'I am honoured to take on this challenge and delighted to be joining the team on a permanent basis.

'I have thoroughly enjoyed developing the strategy with the board, staff, members, and stakeholders and cannot wait to get cracking on implementing it. For sure, there is work to be done.'

Vincent's appointment marks the start of an exciting new era. Let us unite, celebrate, and work hand-in-hand to shape the future of curling. Thank you for your continued dedication and support. We look forward to the incredible journey ahead!

Numbers looking real good for the Curlers gathering at Forfar on 30th June before the RCCC AGM the next day. Can all those, and any others, who have mentioned they are coming along please send me a quick e-mail ([email protected]) or message me here, to confirm numbers and make sure we make enough sausage rolls !!. Many Thanks.

Another date added to the series of in person strategy meetings: 1st June in Inverness. Delighted Vincent and his team are heading North where the governing body has so many members & supporters. Please turn out in numbers to hear more about the Scottish Curling Strategy moving forward and more importantly have your say. More information here:

STRATEGIC PLAN: SWEEPING CHANGE – THE FUTURE OF CURLING - Scottish Curling | The Home of Curling in Scotland On behalf of the Scottish Curling Board and the Strategy Development Group, we are delighted to invite all members of Scottish Curling to discuss our proposed new strategic plan, Sweeping Change – The Future of Curling.

This Lady has done well. Thank you Alison for all your support and friendship throughout the season. Delighted to attend The RCCC Ladies Branch AGM today at Hamilton. You have done curling proud, now relax.

Wearing my other hat as SIRA Chairman I was delighted to Chair the SIRA AGM at my home rink today. Loads of active discussion and debate needed at this critical time for many rinks around Scotland.

🚨British Curling Announcement🚨
appointed new Olympic Head Coach to lead the elite programme to and beyond.
▶️https://www.britishcurling.org.uk/news/greg-drummond-takes-over-as-olympic-head-coach-heading-towards-milan-cortina/

📸Team GB/David Pearce/ WCF/Richard Gray/Celine Stucki.

Anyone local or passing by Edinburgh Airport at 8:05am tomorrow morning (Monday 08/05) go along and welcome back our World Mens Champions. It is a holiday so surely plenty people in the area not working....

📍Scottish Curling End of Season Members Survey 2023

In line with our new strategy, Sweeping Change: The Future of Curling, we would like to gather your feedback to help drive the sport forward. 🥌

As a member you should have received your 'End of Season Members Survey' via email this afternoon. If this is not the case please email: [email protected] with your membership details and we will send you the form accordingly!

We can't wait to read your feedback! 🙌

Review the Scottish Curling strategic plan and make comment, your views are important and welcomed: https://www.scottishcurling.org/strategic-plan-sweeping-change-the-future-of-curling/?fbclid=IwAR2fe6eR1Bz4yIivY9Z3tv-hpGeaRW_KarZ4nlLVvC0V7pmVkBr6KYuy5Kg

STRATEGIC PLAN: SWEEPING CHANGE – THE FUTURE OF CURLING - Scottish Curling | The Home of Curling in Scotland On behalf of the Scottish Curling Board and the Strategy Development Group, we are delighted to invite all members of Scottish Curling to discuss our proposed new strategic plan, Sweeping Change – The Future of Curling.

Scotland sitting loud and proud at top of the rankings.

CURLING CENTRAL WORLD RANKINGS

With the conclusion of the World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Curling Championships, our new World Ranking is ready. The final 2022-2023 season ranking will come shortly after 7 May, when the final WCF World Team Rankings are released.

Note that due to the current WCF suspensions of Belarus and Russia from international Curling, neither are listed in the ranking.

The ranking is listed as Rank-Points-Member Association

1 - 2755.50 - Scotland
2 - 2686.50 - Sweden
3 - 2498.50 - Canada
4 - 2090.75 - United States (+1)
5 - 2027.75 - Norway (-1)
6 - 1710.75 - Switzerland
7 - 1518.00 - Japan (+2)
8 - 1416.75 - Italy
9 - 1370.00 - Finland (-2)
10 - 1273.75 - Germany
11 - 1239.50 - Korea
12 - 1063.25 - China
13 - 0710.25 - Czech Republic
14 - 0523.75 - Denmark
15 - 0491.50 - Latvia
16 - 0409.75 - Türkiye (+1)
17 - 0384.00 - Hungary (-1)
18 - 0354.25 - Estonia (+1)
19 - 0312.75 - Australia (+2)
20 - 0268.00 - Slovakia (-2)
21 - 0260.00 - Spain (+1)
22 - 0233.25 - England (-2)
23 - 0201.00 - Netherlands (+1)
24 - 0145.75 - New Zealand (-1)
25 - 0144.25 - Austria
26 - 0102.00 - Kazakhstan
27 - 0098.50 - Poland
28 - 0089.00 - Slovenia
29 - 0077.50 - Hong Kong
30 - 0075.25 - Ireland (+4)
31 - 0069.25 - Lithuania (-1)
32 - 0067.25 - Belgium
33 - 0064.00 - Chinese Taipei (-2)
34 - 0060.75 - Brazil (-1)
35 - 0060.00 - Nigeria
36 - 0058.50 - Wales
37 - 0052.50 - Ukraine
38 - 0048.75 - Portugal
39 - 0046.00 - France
40 - 0037.75 - Mexico
41 - 0034.50 - Croatia
42 - 0033.50 - India
43 - 0022.25 - Qatar
44 - 0022.00 - Romania
45 - 0017.25 - Kyrgyzstan
46 - 0014.50 - Bulgaria
47 - 0013.25 - Guyana
48 - 0012.00 - Mongolia
49 - 0011.25 - Saudi Arabia
50 - 0010.00 - Kenya
51 - 0008.50 - Luxembourg
52 - 0008.25 - Andorra
53 - 0007.50 - Liechtenstein
54 - 0003.75 - Afghanistan
55 - 0002.00 - Israel
56 - 0000.75 - Greece
57 - 0000.50 - Kosovo
T58 - 0000.00 - Bosnia and Herzegovina
T58 - 0000.00 - Dominican Republic
T58 - 0000.00 - Georgia
T58 - 0000.00 - Iceland
T58 - 0000.00 - Jamaica
T58 - 0000.00 - Kuwait
T58 - 0000.00 - Serbia
T58 - 0000.00 - Thailand
T58 - 0000.00 - Turkmenistan
T58 - 0000.00 - U.S. Virgin Islands

Massive congratulations to Team Scotland's Men & Women's Senior teams on both winning silver at the World Seniors in Korea. Well done folks a tough but rewarding week with some terrific memories and experiences no doubt. Safe travels home. 👏👏👏👏👏🥈🥈

They say every army marches on their stomach, well this Tartan Army are marching along very nicely thank you. Going for a double gold in the seniors so pleased to see empty plates. Very well done guys & girls, bring it home.

As clubs and rinks around the country hold their AGM's can I plead with you to keep your ice bookings for next season up to at least current levels and hopefully squeeze in a few more sheets. Support the local ice rinks leagues & competitions and of course the Scottish Curling competitions. All combine to keep ice rinks ticking over through the current energy crisis. Your continued support is essential. Thank you.

Whilst Korea is a long distance away it is great to keep an eye on our Team Scotland's doing so well with the Mixed Doubles, Senior Men & Senior Women all qualifying for the knockout stages with the Senior Women straight through to the semis and the Mixed Doubles & Senior Men into the quarters. Well done to all first objective achieved and now time to .

Attended the Perth Open Meeting last night and delighted to see such a terrific turnout and hear so many positive comments. A lot of work ahead but with determination, support and commitment I am sure we will see Curling at Perth turn the corner and LiveActive continue to support one of Perth's most popular sports.

What it was all about for Team Scotland. Well done again guys.