Curling: Livingston members sweep their way to prestigious trophy

Mar 19 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

SEVEN West Lothian clubs took to the rink recently for the annual West Lothian Province Bonspiel.

With the Lady Baillie Shield up for grabs for the victors, the cream of the West Lothian curling crop met at Stirling Ice Rink for the competition.

The top prize and historic Lady Baillie Shield was eventually won by Livingston Curling Club who won by an aggregate of 10 ends.

John Irving, President of the Province, presented the shield to Graham Young of Livingston.

Second place went to Uphall, and in third were Buchan.

These three clubs now go on to represent West Lothian in the Area six Knockout competition in the 2009-2010 season.

Prizes were also presented to the highest up rink in the winning club.

This went to Graham Young (Skip), Maggie Barry, Jim Wilson and Claire Darragh who won their game 13-3 against Abercorn.

And to the highest up rink in the competition overall, which went to Abercorn and their team of Jim Arkley (Skip), Sheila Arkley, Jim Waddell and Jim Smith, scoring 14-1 against Oatridge.

The Lady Baillie Shield was presented to the curlers of West Lothian in 1905, by Lady Baillie of Polkemmet in memory of her late husband Sir William Baillie Bart who himself was a keen curler.

Due to mild winters in the following years the shield was not played for until February of 1907.

In that year it was won by Torphichen with Dundas being runners-up and to this day the shield continues to be one of the most sought after prizes in the West Lothian Province.

Livingston Curling Club is actively looking for new members for the 2009-2010 season and are inviting anyone with an interest in the sport to a special 'Come and Try' event at Murrayfield Curling Rink, Riversdale Crescent, Edinburgh, on Sunday, March 29, at 5.30pm.

Local people interested are asked to contact Graham Young on 07801 440793 for further information.