Lanark CC v Douglas 1783

This is the earliest evidence of the existence of Lanark Curling Club . Shown is an extract from Sheriff David Smith’s (Troon) – Curling Places of Scotland publication of 2000; highlighting Douglas Curling Club’s minutes of 1783; indicating a game that took place between Lanark CC and Douglas CC at the Langloch. (Douglas Club’s minutes predate the Club’s incorporation in 1792 – see DOUGLAS CURLING CLUB – 225th ANNIVERSARY BONSPIEL ).

In discussion with Bobby Mitchell and Ian Fleming – of Douglas, I had a theory as to why this incorporation came about.

In 1773 Hyndford Bridge was completed (10 years earlier than the Minute entry), this allowed for the easy crossing of the Clyde – especially in winter (there were a limited number bridges across the Clyde at the time – possilby the MouseMill Bridge at Kirkfieldbank [1649?] ). Following the completion, an invitation was given by the curlers of Lanark to the curlers of Douglas and surrounding ‘touns’ (a collection of dwellings, barns, byres forming a toun – farmstead; the touns would have had their own inter-toun bonspiels) and Douglas Estate etc, to play at the Langloch. Likewise this invitation would been reciprocated to play at a suitable location near Douglas village? This no doubt became and annual bonspiel when conditions permitted?

By 1792 the Douglas curlers may have decided to ‘Incorporate’ the touns and the like, into a formal club – Douglas Curling Club, to play against other established clubs?

And a big thanks go; of course to Douglas for allowing David to scrutinise their ‘prestigious’ records.

Jack (JH)