Remembering Dr Robert Allan Cowan

Everyone at Scottish Curling was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowan.

Dr Robert Allan Cowan (Bob) passed away peacefully at his home in Millport on 18th February 2026, aged 78.

Bob dedicated much of his career to education, serving as a Lecturer in Biochemistry at the University of Glasgow and as an English teacher in Thailand. He also combined his academic interests with his passion for curling as Editor of The Scottish Curler magazine.

A keen curler, many of you will know the brilliant Curling History Blog that Bob maintained which stands as a monument to his passion for the sport and dedication to protecting the heritage of the game he loved.

Scottish Curling CEO Vincent Bryson shared his memories of Bob:

“One of the real privileges I had early on in my time at Scottish Curling was the chance to meet Bob at the unveiling of the William Kilgour Jackson Blue Plaque ceremony in Biggar.’

“With other trustees of the Scottish Curling Trust we enjoyed a fun, truly joyful day and I got to spend 30 minutes or so 1-1 with Bob and just listened to the passion and love he had for the game and the people within it.’

“The sport owes a great man our deepest gratitude for everything he gave Curling – I for one am grateful to have had the chance to know him.”

Outside of work and curling, Bob enjoyed country music, and the quiet pleasures of countryside life, as well as travel and friendship.

Bob was the son of the late Agnes and Peter Cowan, and brother to the late Doreen Gardner. He was uncle to Anne Myers and the late Douglas Gardner, and a dear friend to Eileen Kamm.

A private gathering has been arranged to bid farewell to Bob.