Inverclyde curling news
Enlarge photographCurling has been part of life across Inverclyde and the surrounding communities for more than two centuries.
From games played on frozen millponds and estate lochs to today’s competitions at the Waterfront Leisure Complex, generations of curlers have helped preserve the traditions, friendship and competitive spirit of Scotland’s “roaring game.”
A Remarkable Local History
Dumbarton Curling Club, founded in 1815, is one of Scotland’s oldest curling clubs. The club helped shape the early rules of the game, with several of its rules later influencing those adopted by the Grand Caledonian Curling Club, now known as Scottish Curling.
Port Glasgow Curling Club was founded in 1827 and joined the Royal Caledonian Curling Club in 1840. It remains one of the area’s longest-established clubs and is approaching its 200th season in 2027.
The first written record of Millport Curling Club dates from 1838. Curling was traditionally played on the millpond at the top of Great Cumbrae whenever winter conditions allowed. The club now plays its regular games at Greenacres Curling Club.
Ardgowan Curling Club was founded in Greenock in 1841, with the support of Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart of the Ardgowan Estate. Curling was originally played on outdoor rinks within Ardgowan Square, alongside bowling and quoiting.
Gourock Curling Club was founded in 1858, with its original curling pond located on the Darroch estate at Auchneagh Meadow. The club joined the Royal Caledonian Curling Club in 1861 and has remained an important part of the area’s curling community for more than 165 years.
Clubs for Every Generation
Greenock Ladies Curling Club was founded in 1950 to give women in the area greater opportunities to take part in curling. The club continues to contribute to local leagues, bonspiels and the social life of curling in Inverclyde.
Largs Thistle Curling Club has roots extending back more than 200 years. One of its most memorable occasions was a Grand Moonlight Bonspiel held on Hill Pond in March 1886, when players competed by lantern and moonlight in front of more than 200 spectators.
Dunoon Argyll Curling Club, now amalgamated with Dunoon Ladies, continues to represent curlers from Argyll and Bute. The combined club reflects the inclusive and welcoming character of the modern game.
Newark Curling Club is one of the area’s newer clubs, having been established in the late 1990s. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 and has developed a proud record in local and national competitions.
A Shared Future for Local Curling
Although every club has its own history and identity, they share the same commitment to friendship, sportsmanship and keeping curling accessible for future generations.
The Inverclyde curling community brings these clubs and their members together, helping to promote local competitions, celebrate achievements and introduce new people to the sport.
Whether you are an experienced curler, returning to the ice or trying curling for the first time, you will receive a warm welcome.
Help Us Preserve Our Curling History
We would love to hear from clubs and members who have photographs, old programmes, minute books, competition results or personal memories that could help us expand this feature.
Together, we can build a lasting online record of curling’s remarkable history throughout Inverclyde and the surrounding area.
Have a story or photograph to contribute? Please contact the Inverclyde Curling Development Group or submit an article through the website.