Why is it that, when I read a headline like this one on Bob's Blog, http://skipcottagecurling.blogspot.com/2011/07/curlings-future-secure-at-perth.html/ I start worrying about the future of Curling at Perth.

I can see what you mean. The essence of Bob's post is this:

It is proposed to create a ‘Live Active Leisure Park’ with significant reconfiguration and redevelopment of the pool area and its ‘fun features’ for example.

But we'll simply have to wait and see once they appoint a Project Manager and release more details and, as Bob says, look at the positive side. For now.

Just to clarify the position of the SCIG and Kinross, allow me to mention that the design we put forward for Kinross was for a four sheeter to replace the existing number of sheets. We did not support a six sheeter or a super duper palace, because they could not provide a business plan that supported their claims, but we were willing to compromise with a five sheeter based on the projected additional income of the NCA. We had the future of Dewars in mind, as well as other rinks or proposed rinks -- in our view a six sheeter fit for larger competitions would not have been able to pay for itself in Kinross, and it would perversely also have done serious harm to Dewars.

Strange, isn't it, but a £1m refurb of the rink at Dewars would certainly help towards securing its future!

If you would like to see a copy of the Outline Specifications and Costs for the National Curling Academy, please ask and I'll send it to you. I quote from that document:

It will be a curling only facility with at least four sheets of curling ice

It will have a viable business based on a mix of club and squad use

If the NCA is to be part of a 6 or 8 sheet facility consideration should be given to having the ability to partition /prepare only 4 sheets for use in the summer months

Considering that much of the document uses information that I supplied to Colin G, I think I understand the contents very well. I did not say that the NCA could not be a six sheeter, but I did say that it wouldn't work in Kinross.