Bringing the Roaring Game to the Classroom

Michelle outlines the success of the curling heritage project in Lochaber this winter

This winter, we transformed school halls across Lochaber into curling rinks, introducing students to Scotland's Roaring Game. In a previous blog (link at the bottom of this one for those interested), I delved into the rich history of curling, from its humble origins on Scotland’s frozen lochs to its global presence today.

This season, our focus shifted to making the sport accessible and educational for pupils of all ages and abilities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project delivery for me was engaging with all-abilities groups, where students with learning disabilities were also able to participate enthusiastically. Their joy, focus, and camaraderie were truly inspiring.

As Robert Burns aptly captured in "Tam Samson's Elegy":

"When Winter muffles up his cloak,
And binds the mire like a rock;
When to the loughs the curlers flock,
Wi' gleesome speed..."

From the first slide of the stones to the celebratory cheers, curling's blend of strategy, physics, and fun captivated our Lochaber young learners. Together we explored mathematical and physical concepts from scoring games to looking at inertia and conducting friction experiments. We also discussed the biodiversity of traditional curling ponds, and how they are also habitats.

Curling is really more than a sport, it's a cultural tradition, seasonally wrapped up in to the heritage of our region. It provides moments of winter magic amdist the dark nights up in the north.

Traditional Curling stones at The Highland Folk Museum

For anyone interested in teaching these concepts, I have produced a Curling in the Classroom Workbook which is now freely available online for educators. I hope this offers activities and insights for anyone interested.

For an overview of the project's impact, the full report is also available here:

The final stones have slid and the last cheers have now echoed through the halls and this project has come to a close. However, its been a reminder of the power of sport to educate, connect, and inspire. Curling may be a game of skill and strategy, but at its heart, it is very much about community, perseverance, and joy - qualities that shone brightly in every school I visited.

Whether these young learners pick up a curling stone again or simply carry forward the lessons of teamwork and curiosity, I hope they remember that learning, like curling, is all about the journey and sometimes, the best shots come with a little bit of sweep and encouragement along the way.

Michelle Melville is High Life Highland’s Heritage Ranger, is passionately dedicated to preserving Scottish natural and cultural heritage, through her commitment to mastering and teaching Scottish Highland crafts and traditions. She aims to engage and inspire communities to take up those recreational pursuits integral to the Highlands area by way of living heritage.