Full of confidence

“I am almost certain that the recent curling photograph was taken at the Grand Match between North and South Scotland with about 2,500 curlers taking part,” writes Tom Hay of Carnoustie. “Your picture shows Jimmy Watt, a well-known Cupar seedsman, with curlers in the background.

“This was the first Grand Match after the last war, the only other two held at Lake of Menteith, the last being in 1979. I was fortunate to play in all three. Lew Watson was one of the Panmure Curling Club nominated skips who invited Willie Grant, brother Guthrie and myself to form a team.

“Some snow on the Glenfarg road, but Loch Leven was clear. We were drawn to play against a team from Penicuik. I cannot remember who won, but the game was played in a hard, but friendly, rivalry, with plenty of liquid refreshment consumed.

“When the cannon fired to ‘end hostilities’, celebrations of a wonderful sunny day continued ashore. Suddenly there was a loud shout: ‘There’s a car going out on the ice!’

“It was my skip Lew Watson in his big, black Rover – three men and eight curling stones weighing over 40lbs each. All eyes were on the car, hoping that it wouldn’t vanish in front of us. By this time, a solitary policeman and a dozen curlers ran onto the ice waving for Lew to return.

“He slowly obeyed and, unabashed, made for shore. He knew Loch Leven was safe – 2,496 didn’t. Unfortunately, I had just finished the spool on my camera and didn’t get a photograph.”