Discover How Olympic Curling Stones Are Crafted on a Scottish Island
The art of crafting Olympic curling stones is a unique blend of geology, craftsmanship, and tradition, rooted on a single Scottish island. The stones used in curling, a sport celebrated globally, originate exclusively from Ailsa Craig, an uninhabited island off the Ayrshire coast. Here, the granite is quarried and later crafted into the curling stones that glide across ice at international competitions, including the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics.
Ailsa Craig: The Home of Curling Granite
Ailsa Craig, known as “Paddy’s Milestone,” is approximately 10 miles off the South Ayrshire coast. This island is a remnant of an ancient volcano, consisting of hard microgranite. The island has immense historical significance, once used as a refuge for persecuted Catholics and serving various roles throughout history.
- Dimensions: 2.5 miles (4 km) in circumference, 1,120 feet (340 meters) high
- Location: In the Firth of Clyde, 10 miles from the mainland
- Historical uses: Haven for Catholics, defense against the Spanish Armada, a prison, and a smuggler’s cove
The Quarrying Process
Curling stones are crafted from two types of microgranite native to Ailsa Craig: Common Green and Blue Hone. The former is collected from the island’s south side, while Blue Hone requires more intensive quarrying from the northern side.
- Common Green: Collected directly from the shore, ideal for the stone’s body
- Blue Hone: Quarrying involves drilling holes filled with liquid gas to safely extract the granite
This unique microgranite composition makes for durable curling stones. It has been produced by Kays Scotland for over 175 years, and the company holds exclusive quarrying rights granted in 1988.
Kays Scotland: Crafting the Stones
The production process takes place in Kays’ factory in Mauchline, where the granite is shaped and polished. Here, the stones undergo a series of meticulous processes to ensure quality.
- Harvesting Approach: Annual trips to Ailsa Craig involve detailed environmental assessments and military-like planning procedures.
- Production Timeline: Each stone takes approximately four hours to complete.
- Delivery: Orders like the batch for the 2022 Beijing Olympics include 164 curling stones, each weighing around 20 kg (44 lbs).
The Craftsmen Behind the Stones
John Brown, the production supervisor, is a central figure in Kays’ operations. He has supervised the polishing of every Olympic curling stone since 2006. Despite his extensive experience with curling equipment, he has never played the game himself.
Kays’ ongoing commitment to quality is evident through their rigorous production standards. Each curling stone is checked for precision, ensuring it meets the technical requirements for competition.
In conclusion, the journey of Olympic curling stones from Ailsa Craig to international competitions exemplifies a rich heritage of craftsmanship. The combination of unique materials, skilled labor, and dedication ensures that these stones remain a pivotal part of the sport.
