Curling club celebrates 275th anniversary

A PERTHSHIRE curling club has celebrated its 275th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club held a bonspiel at Forfar ice rink followed by a dinner at the Red House Hotel.

The club is believed to have been founded in or prior to 1749 and is thought to be the seventh oldest club affiliated to the

Royal Caledonian Curling Club.

Club president Liz Ireland welcomed teams from Strathmore Province to take part in a friendly bonspiel at Forfar which was won by St Martins Curling Club.

This was followed by a dinner which also included many past members.

Alister Asher, vicepresident of the Royal

Caledonian Curling Club presented the club’s longest-serving and honorary member, Allie Lyburn, with her 50-year continuous membership medal.

Other speakers were World Curling Federation board member Robin Niven, club secretary Barbara Allan, and Keith Spalding from Dunsinane Curling Club.

Barbara said: “In common with many other curling clubs throughout Scotland, attracting and retaining members remains a major issue – but Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club have a strong core of members who are all very proud of their long heritage.

“To have remained active for over 275 years is a big achievement.

“The club is confident that they will rise to the challenges of the future and will still be playing the ‘roaring game’ in 2044 when they reach their 300year milestone.

“The club wishes to thank the local businesses who donated to our fundraising requests, along with family and friends who all helped make the day extra special.”