Inverclyde curling news
Enlarge photographHistoric club announces a programme of special events marking two centuries of curling
Port Glasgow Curling Club is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone: its bicentenary in 2027.
Founded in 1827, the club has survived breakaway groups, disputes, disappearing ponds, milder winters and the closure of several ice venues. Two centuries later, it remains an active part of Inverclyde’s curling community.
The club’s standing was recognised in 1840 when it was admitted to the Royal Club. However, 1847 was described as the stormiest year in its history. Following a disagreement over the choice of president, a group of members departed and established the Port Glasgow and Newark Union Club.
The breakaway club lasted only five years, with some of its curlers returning in 1852.
From Harelaw to Slaemuir
Outdoor curling was at the heart of the club’s early history. In 1877, it moved from Harelaw Pond to New Pond, where a pond house was erected in 1883 and fencing added in 1885.
By 1896, the club had moved again, this time to Slaemuir Pond, which was considered more suitably located away from the expanding town centre.
Port Glasgow took part in the Royal Club Bonspiel at Carsebreck, near Stirling, in 1902. The opening of Crossmyloof Ice Rink in Glasgow in 1907 provided new opportunities to play indoors, although the club continued to value its outdoor traditions.
Plans to construct its own outdoor tarmac rink were considered in 1911 but abandoned because of the cost. Crossmyloof closed in 1918, although it subsequently reopened in 1928.
The club celebrated its centenary in 1927, but difficult years followed. Complaints were made that the flooding of the Slaemuir pond was affecting neighbouring farmland. The resulting correspondence with the factor and landlord created genuine concern that the club might fold if it lost access to the pond.
After unsuccessful appeals, the club moved from Slaemuir to Devol in 1937.
A New Indoor Era
The old pond hut was moved to Dougliehill in 1953. As winters became milder, opportunities for outdoor curling became increasingly limited, although traditional Grand Matches continued when conditions allowed. The last was held on the Lake of Menteith in 1979.
During this period, the club secretary was congratulated on the pleasing design of its first badge, which was based upon the coat of arms of Port Glasgow.
The opening of Greenacres in 1975 brought indoor curling closer to home. At one stage, the club used approximately ten sheets of ice at Greenacres, alongside a further 50 at Crossmyloof and six at Irvine.
Port Glasgow celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1977. From 1984, social curling weekends at Forest Hills became another much-loved part of club life.
Crossmyloof finally closed in 1986, but Scottish curling entered what became known as an indoor “Golden Age” from 1993 onwards.
For Port Glasgow, one of the greatest developments came in 1997 when the Waterfront Leisure Complex opened, giving the club an indoor curling venue virtually on its doorstep.
Further anniversaries followed: the club’s 175th in 2002, its 185th in 2012 and its 190th in 2017. The final Forest Hills weekend took place in 2004, two years before that venue closed.
Bicentenary Programme
Port Glasgow Curling Club will mark its 200th anniversary with a programme of commemorative events extending across the 2026–27 season.
Opening Bonspiel
Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 5.30 pm
Waterfront Leisure Complex
8 Custom House Way
Greenock
PA15 1EW
Anniversary Curlers’ Court
Friday, 23 October 2026
Guests should arrive at 6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm start.
175 Club
10A Kelly Street
Greenock
PA16 8NF
Civic Reception
Thursday, 21 January 2027 — time to be confirmed
Greenock Town Hall
Invitations are expected to be issued during November 2026.
Bicentenary Formal Dinner
Friday, 19 February 2027 at 6.30 pm
Tontine Hotel
6 Ardgowan Square
Greenock
PA16 8NG
Invitational Bonspiel
Saturday, 9 October 2027 — time to be confirmed
Waterfront Leisure Complex
Full details will be announced nearer the event.
Keeping Our Curling History Alive
The bicentenary is not simply a celebration of one club. It is also an opportunity to recognise the generations of local curlers who kept the sport alive through changing times and changing venues.
The Waterfront Development Group would be delighted to hear from other clubs with historic photographs, certificates, trophies, programmes, memories or stories that could be featured in future editions of the Chronicle.
Every club has a story to tell. By contributing photographs and articles, our clubs can build a living record of curling across Inverclyde and the surrounding area—and help introduce that history to a new generation.