Ladies President

Isla Kinnear
Ladies’ Branch President 2026-27

I moved to Perth in 1994 and completed the beginner’s curling course at Dewar’s Rinks in 1996, along with my husband Paul. A business career with frequent travel across the UK initially left little time for curling. However, I subsequently moved into the Education sector and local employment at UHI Perth allowed me to become a regular curler.

I joined Abdie Ladies and later Lynedoch Ladies, as well as Kinfauns & Glendoick curling clubs. Each year, I compete in leagues and tournaments held in Perth, and often visit other rinks for open competitions, which gives me a great chance to connect with fellow curlers. Abroad, I have enjoyed playing in the Tarnby Cup in Copenhagen twice.

I have earned both coaching and umpiring qualifications and, whenever possible, I support coaching sessions for new players and school groups at Perth

I am also a timekeeper and have enjoyed this role at championships in Scotland and in Europe, where it has been very exciting to work as a team with volunteers from many countries who help to make championships happen. I have been club president, club secretary and committee member, centre representative on LSC, as well as a member of the Perth Ice Rink Committee for a number of years. Clubs are central to our sport and flourish thanks to dedicated volunteers who support curling. Being selected for the Women’s Tour in Sweden in 2023 and appointed as the Tour Secretary has been one of the highlights of my curling journey so far. As a group of touring curlers, we had an amazing time in Sweden, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment both on and off the ice. The trip truly captured everything that curling represents—sport, tradition, friendship, the chance to try new things, and the celebration of curling itself!

In the Summer months I‘ll often be sea kayaking and camping off Scotland’s west coast with Paul, cycling in Scotland, cycle touring in Europe or tending the garden at home in Perthshire. In winter, I also enjoy cross country skiing. As Ladies Branch President, I am committed to ensuring that women and girls in curling have a strong voice and to identify opportunities for new participants to join our sport and experience all it has to offer. I am especially pleased at being able to welcome the members of the US Women’s Curling Association, who will be touring Scotland in October 2026.