£574,000 Investment to Strengthen Curling Pathways and Clubs Across Scotland
Scottish Curling are delighted to share the news of additional investment into curling for the next three years thanks to sportscotland Summer of Sport grant and a number of new initiatives related to Pathway Development and Club Support Fund.
The total investment into curling over the next 3 years totals £574,247 and will be distributed across the Scottish Curling Pathway programme (an additional £76400 per year on an annual basis) and the Club Support Fund totalling £295,047 over 3 years.
An additional one-off investment of £50,000 for 2026-27 from the Summer of Sport fund has also been awarded.
The club support fund will go directly to ice rinks who were successful in the recent business case submission process and are listed below with selected quotes from the award recipients.
Curl Aberdeen
Curl Dundee
Lockerbie Ice Rink
Curl Edinburgh
Kinross Ice Rink
Scottish Curling Head of Sport & Communities Eilidh McCall-Lawrie said “We are delighted five curling rinks have secured investment through the sportscotland Club Support Fund. This funding recognises the ambition, commitment and forward thinking of our rinks and the work they have put in developing projects to strengthen opportunities within their local communities.
While securing the funding is a significant milestone it is only the beginning of the journey. We look forward to working in partnership with each rink to bring their plans to life, creating more welcoming, inclusive and sustainable environments where more people can discover, enjoy and stay involved in curling.
This investment is not only an opportunity to deliver positive change within these five rinks but also to demonstrate what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and targeted investment. We are excited to support each rink throughout the life of their project and to share the learning and impact across the wider curling community.”
Rae Graham – Lockerbie Ice Rink
“Lockerbie ice rink is delighted to announce that they have received funding from sportscotland with assistance from Scottish Curling for a full time curling coaching and development officer over a three year period.
The main role is to sustain our current membership, increase capacity and support pathways into national competitions. As well as addressing declining membership in clubs and a shortage of qualified coaches that is currently limiting participation and progression opportunities, particularly for young people. Going forward we are looking for current members to support this new position to maintain the sustainability of the facility and introduce more participants into curling.”
Jim Barton – Kinross Ice Rink
“Kinross Curling is delighted to have received this funding. The appointment of a Membership and Community Engagement Officer will play a vital role in encouraging more curlers to take up the sport and secure the long term sustainability of our rink. We are very grateful to Scottish Curling for assisting and supporting us in the preparation of our bid.”
Tom Brewster – Curl Aberdeen
We are absolutely delighted to have secured this investment which represents a significant milestone for Curl Aberdeen and the wider curling community in the region. The funding will enable us to recruit a dedicated Development & Events Coordinator, providing the capacity and expertise needed to grow participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance the overall experience for our members and visitors.
This investment will also help reduce the pressure on our valued volunteers, improve the quality and consistency of our programmes and events, and support the long-term financial sustainability of the club. We are grateful to Scottish Curling, sportscotland and all partners involved for their confidence in our vision and we look forward to delivering lasting benefits for members, participants and the wider Aberdeen community over the coming years.”
