12/01/2010 - Loch curling cancelled over safety
Hopes that the freezing weather may have allowed a century old outdoor curling competition to go ahead in Scotland have been dashed due to health and safety concerns.
Officials at the Royal Caledonian Curling Club had planned to hold The Grand Match for the first time in 30 years on the Lake of Menteith, near Stirling, after the country experienced one of the worst winters in years.
However, organisers decided to call it off after emergency services said there was not enough time to address all the health and safety issues.
The Grand Match, also known as the Bonspiel, was first held in 1837. Traditionally the north and south of Scotland play against each other.
It has only been held three times since 1945 because it has not been cold enough for the minimum seven inches of ice to form on the lochs.
Fiona Logan, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said "every possible effort" was made to try and organise the match but public safety had to be the top priority.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Related links
|
