Yara Championship celebrates 30th anniversary in Perth

Jan 11 2013 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser

Europe’s largest annual curling competition will celebrate its 30th anniversary this month in Perth.

With nearly 300 competitors, the annual Yara Farmers Curling Championship, being held from January 21-25 at the Dewars Centre, has become a firm favourite and popular fixture in the Scottish farming calendar.

The championship will see up to 72 teams compete over five days of intense competition, with a trophy and significant cash prize awarded to the winning team.

Alan Wood, Yara’s area manager and championship organiser for the past 30 years, said: “Reaching the 30th anniversary is a real milestone for Yara and the championship.

“The competition goes from strength to strength and has become a real highlight for farmers in Scotland and Northern England and gives us the opportunity to engage further with our valued customers.”

Teams are made up of some of Europe’s top curlers and come from as far as Caithness in the north to Berwick in the south.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some world-class curling and undoubtedly excellent support from a good number of spectators,” Mr Wood added. “The event sees all levels of players compete, from occasional or club curlers right up to world champions.

“We have seen some great contests over the years and the championships are always really well supported.

“In particular we have three dedicated players who have competed every year since the tournament was introduced: Alan Clarke, George Christie

and Robert Wallace. I wish all our players good luck going into what will be a very exciting 30th anniversary championship.”

There are 20 sections. The winners of each section go into the high road play-offs, with the runners-up going into low road play offs.

Mr Wood said: “This ensures everyone is involved and keeps alive the excitement of the competition and camaraderie among spectators, competitors and the Yara team.”

“The Dewars Centre is the perfect location for the championships and I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff at the centre for their continued support throughout the last 30 years.”

Agricultural products firm Yara International ASA has 8000 employees, operating in 120 countries with a turnover in excess of £6.5 billion. Its head office is in Oslo, Norway.