The heavy rain at the New Year followed by the recent extreme cold led to ideal conditions for outdoor curling this week on a flooded and frozen field at Herbertshaw Farm, long held by the Brown family, near Penicuik. Craig quickly put the word out for any keen curlers to congregate, although his suggestion of shorts and teeshirt attire was swiftly declined.

The two Jims (Ramsay and Cowper) assisted in marking out the ice, and soon the cars started to arrive. To quote a favourite film – ” If you build it, they will come”.

The refrigeration unit held out for a second day and, with blue skies and lovely views the curlers enjoyed some great curling.

Competition was as usual quite fierce, with Jim R and David Gillespie winning 9-7 over Jim C and Roger in an 8 end thriller.

Unfortunately, the thaw has begun, so no more play this week. Many thanks to Craig and Jim Ramsay for organising, the Brown family for allowing access to their land, and to all who helped and played over the two days. A great experience.