Latest developments

Kinross named as NCA Preferred Site
16 October 2008

At its meeting today the Board of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club unanimously approved the recommendation of the NCA working group that the Royal Club’s preferred partner for the National Curling Academy, offices and museum should be the Kinross Curling Trust.

The two bids were assessed by the working group against the NCA Criteria and the bid from the Kinross Curling Trust was viewed to be the better option for the future home of the NCA.

Jamie Montgomery the leader of the Kinross bid said "The announcement that the Royal Caledonian Curling Club’s proposed new National Curling Academy is going to be located in Kinross is extremely exciting and will be a huge boost to the town. The local area has long had a strong curling tradition centered on Loch Leven and Kinross Curling Club is believed to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest club in the world. The prospect of a state-of-the-art curling facility in Kinross, catering for both local curlers and national elite squads, furthers our aspiration to become the genuine curling centre of Scotland."

Colin Grahamslaw, CEO of the Royal Club said, "We are delighted to be able to announce Kinross Curling Trust as our preferred partner for this project. Kinross’s historic location makes this a perfect home for the National Curling Academy and we are please that this decision will also have the benefit of securing the future of curling in Kinross for the long term."

The new Kinross Curling Trust will be a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. The Board will be made up of at least 8 trustees, 2 of which will be nominated by the Royal Club and 6 elected by the Members, who will be local curlers. The Trust will own the new property which is to be built on the Market Park site at the heart of Kinross secured on a long lease. The property is planned to comprise a 6 sheet curling rink with full supporting facilities, offices, meeting rooms and a museum. The property will be easily accessible from the M90 motorway. Funding is expected to be a mix of public funding, trust funding, loans and donations from local curlers. The Royal Club will be contributing towards the costs of the offices and the RCCC Charitable Trust will assist with the funding of the museum.

Whilst many challenges remain the aim is to have the facility open prior to the 2010/2011 season.

The Board thanks the bidders for their interest and hope that, with support from sportscotland, a meeting with Gogar Park Curling Club can be arranged to discuss the future of their plan. The Board thanks staff of sportscotland for their assistance in assessing the bids.

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The Windlestrae Hotel is completing a £350,000 upgrade, significantly modernising this classic Kinross hotel. Many of the 45 guestrooms have been refurbished with a more modern look and updated facilities, and the public bar has been completely revitalised.

Earlier this year, The Macmillan Suite received a new carpet and décor making it the perfect venue for a conference, meeting, wedding or birthday celebration. ‘The Fairway Restaurant’ also has new décor giving it a clean, crisp look. Our menu reflects on Scotland’s wonderful local ingredients and the extensive wine lists will complement any meal.

‘Rushes’ bar benefits from a complete facelift, with new fixtures & fittings and an improved menu, ideal for hotel guests and locals looking for a relaxed and sophisticated venue – perfect for lunch, supper or to watch your favourite sporting event.

Gravity Health & Leisure has also gone through a makeover with new changing facilities and gymnasium design meaning the facility can now accommodate more members and guests. 26 brand new ‘Star Trac’ state of the art cardiovascular machines have been installed with some offering TV and iPod docking stations.

Bruce Robbie, Group General Manager of the Montgomery Hotel Group who own and operate the Windlestrae Hotel, says:

“This refurbishment, encouraged by our leisure club members, local residents and guests, signals the regeneration of the hotel to bring it back to the standard and quality it was once recognised for. The new contemporary look and modern facilities ensures the Windlestrae will once again become a firm favourite for local people and visitors to this historic area.”