​Local curlers travel to Scotland for 58th Highland Week of International Curling

Two teams, with members from the Kincardine Curling Club, travelled to Inverness, Scotland, Feb. 27, to curl in the 58th Highland Week of International Curling for the Glenmorangie Quaich.

Team MacGregor was led by Dave MacGregor (skip, Bobcaygeon), with Alex MacGregor (vice, Kincardine); Lesley MacGregor (2nd, Kincardine), and Leslie MacGregor (lead, Bobcaygeon).

Team Dechene included Shelley Dechene (skip, Kincardine), Jenny Showalter (vice, Kincardine), Doug Dechene (2nd, Kincardine) and Karen Burlew (lead, Cambridge).

Upon arrival at Inverness, the teams checked into the lovely Kingsmill Hotel where they were treated like royalty! The Kingsmill offered breakfast along with a served dinner each day in the banquet rooms, as well as cocktail hours before dinner that were sponsored by the hotel, organizing committee and the sponsoring Glenmorangie Distillery.

The themed dinners included a Ceilidh, Fancy Dress “Hoe Down.” After dinner, there were wonderful bands performing for the dances.

The teams curled at the Inverness Curling Ice Centre on five sheets of ice and were greeted with an Inverness Pipe Band (right) all dressed in the Royal Stewart tartan.

The competition drew 38 teams - from Canada (nine), the United States (14), Lithuania (one), Scotland (nine), Norway (one), Switzerland (three), and England (one). Teams could be made up of men, ladies, mixed and Heinz 57.

Round 1 had eight or 10 teams in each section and three games were played. Round 2 teams were placed according to points from Round 1 and played three more games. Round 3 teams were then placed in either the Glenmorangie Quaich Division; Alan Johnston Trophy, or Consolation. Each team was guaranteed seven games throughout the week!

The competition was fierce and so much fun! Team MacGregor achieved four wins/four losses which placed it in the Alan Johnston Trophy Division.



Team MacGregor includes Dave (left) and Leslie MacGregor of Bobcaygeon, and Alex and Lesley MacGregor of Kincardine; photos courtesy of Shelley Dechene

Team Dechene had five wins/three losses and was placed in the Glenmorangie Quaich division.

Although neither team made it to the final championship game, the curlers were pleased with their performance.

At the awards ceremony, Team Dechene was delightfully surprised when it was announced the team had placed fifth overall and each player was awarded a bottle of Glenmorangie Scotch.



Team Dechene includes Karen Burlew (left) of Cambridge, and Jenny Showalter and Shelley and Doug Dechene of Kincardine

A truly wonderful experience!

Curlers have been coming back year-after-year for the past 58 years. So many friendships have been made because it is such a great social environment.

If you haven’t tried curling before, you are invited to drop in to the social events at the Kincardine Curling Club and check it out. Curling starts in late October and there is a Learn to Curl program for those interested. Reach out through the club’s website at www.kincardinecurlingclub.ca for more information.