New curling HQ to flood – on purpose

Published on Monday 16 November 2009 21:28

A NEW national curling centre is set to make a virtue of Scotland's wet weather by making a playing surface from the rain which falls on the building.

The proposed National Curling Academy is set to capitalise on the country's wet climate by catching rainwater on its roof and converting it to ice.

The plan aims to "flood" the floor of the building with rainwater, which will then be frozen and used as the covering for the six rinks that are planned.

It is believed to be the first time the technique has been used in the UK and is a key part of the arena's plan to be environmentally friendly.

Perth and Kinross Council's development quality manager Nick Brian said the proposal was part of a plan to create a centre which is ecologically sound.

"Sustainability is a key consideration and the building will make use of its large roof to collect rainwater for use in the flooding of the rinks," he said.

"Consideration will also be given to energy-efficient technologies which will include investigation into the difference between the installation of permanent or leased refrigeration plant, the potential for ground-source heat pumps and the opportunity for recycled rainwater to be used for flooding the ice rink." The National Curling Academy is planned for Kinross and will feature a six-rink ice "pad", changing facilities, gym, bar, cafe and offices, as well as the showpiece Scottish Curling Museum.

A club spokesman said the rainwater would be filtered to remove debris before being frozen to create the initial surface of the rink. Droplets of mineralised water would then be sprayed on top to create the beading effect required for accurate curling.

Despite the planned building falling outwith local planning guidelines, Mr Brian has recommended that councillors approve it as the facility would benefit the area.

The Royal Caledonian Curling Club announced last year that Kinross had been chosen as the location for the academy, ahead of Ratho near Edinburgh.

Mr Brian said: "Kinross is considered to be an ideal location for the academy given its historic links with the sport and to Loch Leven as the site of many of curling's Grand Matches.

"Kinross Curling Trust will manage the facility and it is intended to be a state-of-the-art curling facility catering for both local curlers and the national elite squads. Funding is expected from Sport Scotland and other sources."

Jamie Montgomery, a trustee of Kinross Curling Trust, who led the successful bid, said: "The local area has long had a strong curling tradition centred 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."