Post by : Badri Ariffin

Ailsa Craig, a secluded island situated 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Scotland's southwest coast, remains pivotal in Winter Olympics as the origin of the rare granite that forms curling stones.

Kays Curling, headquartered in Mauchline near Ayr, possesses the sole rights to extract granite from this island. Having supplied stones for the Winter Games since curling's introduction as an official event in 1924 in Chamonix, the company has upheld that legacy since the sport’s return to the Olympics in Nagano 1998. Co-owner Jim English asserts that their stones have likely contributed to every gold, silver, and bronze medal awarded since.

During routine evaluations on Ailsa Craig, English assesses granite boulders for flaws. The island is notable for two distinct granite varieties: the common green, used for a stone’s primary structure, and blue hone, known for its density and water-repellent properties, which constitutes the running surface. These characteristics render the granite perfect for curling, enabling stones to endure multiple impacts and extreme cold without breaking.

Experts theorize that the microgranite found on Ailsa Craig originated from volcanic activity millions of years ago. Its elasticity absorbs impact energy while blue hone granite ensures a seamless glide on ice. This specific granite type is unique globally.

The harvesting techniques differ by granite type. Common green granite is usually collected in large natural chunks of up to 10 tons, while blue hone needs careful extraction via gas charges to fracture the rock, yielding smaller blocks weighing under two tons. After extraction, the stones are transported to Girvan Harbour, crafted into circular shapes, and processed by Kays. Each stone typically weighs around 42 pounds (19 kilograms), with single-insert stones priced at £704 ($930) and double-insert ones at £750 ($990). A complete set of 16 double-insert stones goes for £12,000 ($15,860).

Environmental conservation is a major focus. The island hosts notable populations of gannets and gray seals; measures are in place to deter rodents, including traps to shield the wildlife.

Curling’s global popularity is on the rise. Kays produces between 1,800 and 2,000 stones each year, with Canada being their largest market. Interest is growing in China, Japan, and South Korea, particularly after the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. They have even shipped stones to unlikely places, including Qatar and Antarctica, where curling is offered as a luxury travel amenity.

As we look toward the Milan Cortina Winter Games, Ailsa Craig’s distinctive granite will once again be integral to Olympic curling, solidifying the island's enduring impact on the sport.

#Global News