Surely if the welsh and english can come to scotland every year (Ireland is slightly different) Scotland can get the dozen or so curlers required for this event. Having curled for both scotland and ireland in this event i can say it is a keenly fought competition but more importantly it is played in good spirit and in the best traditions of curling. I appreciate there are other competitions clashing but the ECA deserve the support of ALL the home nations in hosting this event on english soil...

Invicta

You really are pretty ignorant if you really don't know the answer.

Perhaps I should ask you why you think Scotland should NOT support this event at Fentons?

Bob

My ignorance on the subject will be obvious from what I'm about to say....Who represented Scotland in the last two or three competitions??
I'm just trying to guage the standard of player usually representing Scotland.

I would jump at the chance to represent my country at any level of competition if the time allowed me. I am unfortunately tied up due to work and with it being such short notice I can't commit. I think it would be an adventure to go down to Kent and sample their ice and make more new friends in the process.

Porsche 911 - if you submitted your name via the ECA website (and you may have done under your real name and it is not apparent to me) you should have a fairly instant answer as I get the contacts direct to my email address - if you have not heard then please send me a private message via the Forum.

Re Invicta's comments the ECA appreciates that we have no right to expect that we should take precedence over other competitions - but if all 14,000 plus curlers are playing in other competitions that weekend then the ice rinks in Scotland will be pretty full!!!

We have calculated that we only need a minimum 8 men and 6 women to enable all of Scotland's games in the 4 Nations to be played - this will involve back to back sessions for some but that has long been a feature of the 4 Nations for visiting teams.

As for the standard of player - it has been variable - but I rememebr getting soundly thrashed by Jimmy Waddell at Hamilton playing with his 2 grandsons who are now in top class Junior competition. We do not expect that the elite curler will play though Gail Munro did play a couple of years ago - it depends who is doing the inviting and who is invited.

Re- who plays.
At the ICA for the years i have been involved we invite all our members to play. Last year for example we had several "new" curlers but because the venue was convenient several curlers only played one game (to maximise the number given the opportunity to represent Ireland). This year we only accepted the first 10 respondents of each sex as it is a long way to go (for most )only to get one game over the weekend. We will field competitive teams and HOPE to win but it is nice to represent your country in any competition (I think) and participating is the key. I think all the home nations should support each other and it is (imho) excellent that England are able to host this event on home soil instead of "borrowed" ice in Scotland. Scotland are a massive draw in curling and their non participation in this event will deprive the ECA of an excellent marketing/promotional opportunity, although I am sure they will make the most of the 3 nations event. I am sorry if invicta does not understand why I think Scotland should support their nearest neighbouring curling association.
Maybe it is a competition that the province/ rink champions, senior mixed winners etc should participate in every year as a reward for winning national competitions which do not lead to worlds....but that is a different debate!
Too many on this board seem to be happy to moan but when an opportunity to "grab the ball and run" does appear are happy to let it go by.
Maybe if the 4 nations was played in minus 12 conditions outdoor it would appeal more.

p.s I know i am in a minority of one regarding the non appeal of outdoor curling in this country!!

The above is the root cause and nothing to do with Fenton’s or England.
How ever I do hope they get the required number of curlers (Jock Thompsons bairns) down there to play out the International.