Rob Findlay (L) and Rob Diack (R) of the Qualicum and District Curling Club getting prepared for the Strathcona Cup. (Submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

storied history

Historic international curling tour stops in Qualicum Beach

Jan 13, 2023 | 3:41 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Every five years competitive curlers meeting up for a longstanding tradition between competitors in Canada and Scotland.

At stake is the prized 120-year-old Strathcona Cup, the oldest international curling tournaments in the world.

Qualicum and District Curling Club member Rob Findlay said 20 curlers from Scotland converge on their facility on Saturday, Jan 14 for a showdown as part of a larger Canada-wide curling tour.

“It’s quite an honour, the Strathcona Cup has been going since the early 1900’s. Every five years the Scottish curlers come to Canada and alternatively the other five years they go to Scotland.”

Findlay, a member of the curling club’s nine-member organizing committee, is also suiting up as part of the local squad against 20 members of the Scottish side in five separate games.

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Findlay, who’s competing in the tournament, said the club is excited to put on a great show for their Scottish guests and fans in attendance, with five games taking place between 1:30 p.m and about 4 p.m.

A ceremonial opening greeting kicks off the event, while a dinner banquet follows the action.

He called the 2018 tournament in Scotland “a trip of a lifetime” from a sporting and social perspective.

The Strathcona Cup is up for grabs during a nationwide men’s bonspiel. (Submitted photo)

Canada came out on top five years ago, and Findlay wants to do his part to ensure the Strathcona Cup remains on Canadian soil.

Scotland won the Strathcona Cup in Canada in 2013.

“Everybody wants to do as well as they can. They’ve sent some pretty competitive curlers from Scotland and we’re hoping to give them good games.”

Findlay said it’s a great opportunity in the mid Island area to promote the sport, which could use a boost in interest.

“Curling across Canada is going down in the number of people that are curling. These types of events put some emphasis on it — it’s good for the sport.”

The 26-game Strathcona Cup bonspiel involves 60 Scottish curlers split between three zones playing local teams throughout Canada between Jan. 11 and Feb. 4.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes