The four-sheet curling rink in the Drimsynie estate at Lochgoilhead is to close.The Campbell family has posted the following on their website:
"After much consideration we are sorry to inform you at the end of this current curling season the rink at Drimsynie will close for the final time.
This has not been an easy decision to make and a combination of factors has brought us to this decision. The need to hire in an ice plant for the whole of this season, combined with the continued decline in the number of curlers, has meant on an economic basis that curling is no longer viable. For us as a company to commit the finances to putting in a new ice plant we would have to see that curling as a sport had the potential to grow. Our income from curling over the last few years has shown a downward trend and that does not look like changing.
We deeply regret having to make this announcement. As a family we wish to thank you all for supporting the ice rink over the past 24 years. Curlers travelled from all over the province to enjoy the facility. Some very competitive curling was played and many friendships formed. We were honoured to host some international tours, national play downs and RCCC events.
Some dedicated club members took time to coach the local youngsters, a number of whom represented Scotland in competitions.
The league nights were very well supported and people made the effort to come regardless of the weather. There was lots of good banter between the teams but it was still very competitive!
We will all have great memories of the Drimsynie Curling Rink and the fun and laughter we enjoyed.We hope that the various curling clubs will be able to curl elsewhere and continue to enjoy the sport."
Photo is © Copyright Gordon McKinlay and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
