Curling: Scots and Canadians re-unite for centenary cup

Jan 9 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

FORTY Canadian curlers have arrived in Scotland, intent on regaining a prestigious trophy first contested more than 100 years ago.

The magnificent Strathcona Cup was named after Lord Strathcona, former Lord High Commissioner of Canada and a very keen curler.

At their AGM in July 1908, members of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club “resolved unanimously and enthusiastically” to invite a team of Canadians to Scotland the following year, when Lord Strathcona would take up the presidency of the RCCC.

According to reports at the time, Canada cordially accepted the invitation and the news was greeted with “unmingled delight” among Scotland’s curlers.

Plans were immediately drawn up to return the hospitality that the Scots had enjoyed on a 1902–03 tour of Canada.

More impressive, though, was the alacrity with which the Canadian forebears organised themselves into a team.

Never did the phrase “curlers gaithered from a’ the airts and pairts” ring truer. One team member travelled some 14,000 miles over land and sea from his home in Dawson City, Yukon!

Gradually a programme was put together. As a precautionary measure, the directors of the newly-built Crossmyloof Ice Rink in Glasgow were approached and kindly agreed to put their magnificent new facility at the curlers’ disposal for the duration of the tour, in case Jack Frost didn’t play ball.

The Canadians gathered in Halifax and set sail on the Empress of Ireland for the trans-Atlantic voyage to Liverpool, where the party was met by a delegation of Scottish and Liverpool curlers.

A special train took the party north to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. The party’s hopes were raised when the train was stopped for an hour by inclement weather.

But, sadly, that was about the coldest weather that the Canadians experienced until their adventure took them north to Inverness.

Wherever they went, the Canadian visitors charmed their hosts with songs, stories and a frightening ability to play the game that the Scots had invented.

The Test Matches, all of which took place on the artificial ice at Crossmyloof, were won comfortably and the visitors won the Strathcona Cup.

Martin Priestley, RCCC representative for Area 8, which includes Perth, said: “Looking back at reports from 100 years, it is astounding to reflect on the sheer stamina of the tourists.

“Their programme was full from the day they set foot on Scottish soil (January 17) until the day they left (February 23).

“They curled, they attended dinners, they worshipped, they travelled the length and breadth of the country, they curled outdoors and they must have drunk the odd glass of whisky or two while they were here!

“But through it all there is an abiding message that carries down through the ages. The fellowship of the rink was evident in all that they did.

“They were true Canadians and, to a man, represented their country, their sport and themselves to the manor born.

“Reflection on their achievements can only be full of pride and affection. The die was so enviably cast for future tours that they may very well go on forever.”

Matt Murdoch, current president of the RCCC, has issued a warm welcome to the 2009 touring party.

“As you celebrate this traditional visit for the 100th anniversary of playing for the Strathcona Cup, I can promise your time here will be packed with true Scottish hospitality, allowing you to have fun and fellowship along the way.

“I know that when our players toured Canada in 2003 they had a most enjoyable and memorable time – personally it was a trip of a lifetime for me.

“I hope that you have an equally enjoyable and memorable time here.

“We are looking forward to making new friendships and renewing old acquaintances.

“Good curling – an sweep yer slide aye clean.”