Chuck Hay Farmers' Bonspiel: Biggest curling event in Europe brings together 160 Scottish farmers and crofters

January saw the return of the Chuck Hay Farmers’ Bonspiel at Perth’s Dewars Centre, where 40 teams, made up of 160 men and women from the Scottish agricultural industry, came together to compete over three days for the winner’s trophy. 

Farmstrong Scotland was honoured to be invited as the charity partner of the tournament, where the organisers recognise the wider benefits that an event like this brings, offering competitors the opportunity to socialise and get off-farm, supporting their wellbeing.

In a nail-biting final game, which came down to the last stone, the winners of the High Road division were Team Prentice made up of Keith Prentice (skip), John Davie, Mark Watt and Robert Anderson, beating Kyle Smith’s team 6-5. The winners of the Low Road were James Hay, Sandy Hay, Grahame Hay and David Hay in another exciting game which finished 7-4 and saw Matt Dunlop’s team take the runner-up title.

Teams travelled from all over Scotland, from Inverness to Kelso and everywhere in between, to take part in the annual event. Relaunched as the Chuck Hay Bonspiel, in memory of Charles Hay MBE, Scottish curler and World Champion who died in 2017, the competition was historically sponsored by Yara. The first event took place in 1983, and after almost 40 years of fantastic support, Yara understandably moved on to sponsor other projects. 

The organising committee were determined the event should continue and were delighted to be supported by new sponsors Thorntons Law to enable them to hold the inaugural Chuck Hay Bonspiel in 2024, with the second event taking place last week.

Perthshire farmer and son of Chuck, David Hay, who sits on the organising committee, said: “The response we’ve had from the farming community, to get 40 teams here for the second year in a row is phenomenal. There is no other competition in Europe with as many entrants and it’s such a great opportunity for famers to get off the farm and come to the ice rink. 

“There are players of all different abilities, from Olympic athletes to complete beginners but that doesn’t seem to matter. The buzz on the ice and in the social area was so vibrant and full of positivity, people were re-connecting or meeting for the first time, and you could really feel the enjoyment everyone took from it, regardless of winning or losing.

“Hopefully, they go back to their farms feeling invigorated and stimulated with new ideas, having met new people. For me, it’s like a reset and all of a sudden, the pressures of the outside world don’t seem so bad when you realise everyone is facing the same challenges as you are.”

“Farmstrong Scotland was chosen by the organising committee as the charity partner for this year’s event as its key messages around wellbeing align so closely with everything the competition brings; namely, the perspective it gives, and the connections and discussions it encourages. By inviting Farmstrong along we hoped it would help to reduce the stigma of talking about our wellbeing and promote an understanding of the small things we can do to help improve it.”

Emily Grant, Farmer and Farmstrong Trustee said: “This has been a wonderful event to be partnering in; we’re so grateful to the committee for allowing us the opportunity to come along. 

“As a peer-to-peer led programme, something like this event is precisely where we want people to be discussing wellbeing and the things they do, or can do, to look after it. Spreading the message that just coming along to events like this one, getting some exercise, and chatting about challenges and current affairs, can be a real boost to wellbeing, is really important.”

The event started on Wednesday 22 January, playing over two full days before the semi-final and final matches were held on Friday to decide the overall winners of the High Road and Low Road divisions. Continuing the social element of the competition, a buffet dinner was also held on Thursday evening.

Part of the winning team in the inaugural event last year, Olympic athlete Glen Muirhead said: “Events like this one are so important for farmers because generally a lot of the time you’re working on your own, I don’t think you can replicate meeting up in person and getting the craic after a game of curling.

“Although it’s challenging to get time away from the farm, having something like this planned is a good excuse to make that time and get away.”

Debbie Dewar, Partner in the Land and Rural Business Team at Thorntons Law based in Perth, said “We were approached by the committee to sponsor this event, and it really aligns with our values of supporting the agricultural community and bringing people together.  

“It’s also great to see Dewars Centre so busy. There’s a lovely atmosphere, and with it being held over three days it’s become something we and the participants really look forward to. 

“We see a lot of our clients from across Scotland here, and it’s great to catch up with them whilst helping give them the opportunity to take time out and come together for some competitive fun at this time of year.”