CANADA TO SCOTLAND – ROTARY CURLING TOUR 2024

Phew!  Well what a few days!  Perth Rotary Club and friends were the first to start off the tour, hosting the Canadian tourists for the  first 3 days.  Arriving into Glasgow airport and met by some friendly Scottish faces, the team were transported to Perth to be met by their home hosts! Day one had begun! Sunday 4 November.

Once the Canadians had been given the chance to settle in and rest it was off to the   West End Bowling Club for a whisky tasing session!  This was superbly presented by Frank Martin and thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Then it was off to the Cherrybank Inn for a buffet supper!

Monday morning  gave everyone a bit of free time  with some taking part in a few activities including, walks round Perth, a visit to a distillery and some golf. That afternoon there was a friendly curling match at Dewars Rink and then on to the Banquet, again at the Dewars Centre.  That was a wonderful evening attended by the Provost, Xander McDade and Mary Duncan, the   Honorary Consul for Canada in Scotland.

Entertainment that evening was provided by the Julie Young School of Dancing and what talent!  It was so enjoyed by all!  And the dancers even did a few Scottish country dance numbers, encouraging our guests to get up and join in!

The next morning included a tour of the Perth museum and a visit to the Stone of Destiny before the group were transported to Kinross for lunch and the second of their curling matches! That evening the group were invited to Fiona Balfour’s for a house party and  the great hospitality was very much appreciated.  Thanks must also go to those who  provided the catering.

The Tour lasts for 24 days and in that time the Canadians will have visited, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Troon and Ayr, Dumfries and Stranraer.   A fair amount of stamina is needed for such a tour, but the fun and friendship goes a long way to supporting this marathon event!  Next stop will be Canada for the return tour!