Scottish Champions to Represent Scotland at European Curling Championships
In a landmark decision for curling in Scotland, Scottish Curling can now announce that the winners of the Scottish Curling Championships will, in principle, represent Scotland at the European Curling Championships.
This change, made possible by the partnership between Scottish Curling and British Curling, offers a new opportunity for curlers in Scotland to earn the right to wear the national crest on their jerseys at a major championship.
The outcome of the Scottish Championships is now the primary decider of European representation – restoring the event’s status as a definitive test of national supremacy – with a true reward on the line for all those who compete.“This is about adding clarity, excitement and reward back to our national championships” said Vincent Bryson, Chief Executive of Scottish Curling.
“We want every team to know that when they step onto the ice at the Scottish Championships, they’re not just playing for a title – they’re playing for the chance to represent Scotland.”
The Scottish Championships have long been the pinnacle of the national curling calendar, producing iconic champions who went on to shine on the world stage.
One of the exceptions to the general rule will apply for season 2026/27 only, where conflicting Olympic and Grand Slam of Curling events and other factors, has meant that it is not realistic for the Olympic representatives to compete in this year’s Scottish Championships.
As a one-off, there will be a play-off for the 2026 representative, between the Hardie Engineering 2026 Scottish Curling Championship winners and the Olympic sides, so as not to deprive the Olympic teams of the opportunity to represent Scotland at the Europeans as a result of scheduling issues arising from representing GB at the Winter Olympics.
The winner of the playoff will represent Scotland in the European Championships. Further details of the playoff, its venue and arrangements will follow at a later date. The play-off however will only be required provided both the Olympic team and Scottish Champion retain a minimum of three players from their respective teams.
A second exception is that the team attending the Europeans immediately preceding an Olympics will be selected by the performance selection committee, with the event being viewed as a key part of Olympic preparation. This arrangement is already in play and therefore remains “as is”.
“We are delighted to be able to support the domestic championship in Scotland with this reward for the champions”, said British Curling performance Director Dave Leith. “We are looking forward to watching Scotland’s best curlers, many of whom are part of British Curling’s elite pathway, fight it out for the chance to represent Scotland”.
The Hardie Engineering Scottish Curling Championships, set for Dumfries Ice Bowl from the 24th to 28th February 2026, promises to be among the most fiercely contested in recent memory.
With a shot at national glory, as well as the chance to represent Scotland at the European Championships, this is a tournament not to be missed by players and fans alike.
Tickets will be available soon from Dumfries Ice Bowl Curling Association, with details shared on our website and social media channels.
Want to take your shot at national glory? The deadline for entries has been extended to Friday November 14th, so enter now via our website. These arrangements are reviewed at the start of every Olympic Cycle and will be again after the Milan Cortina Games.
