Since 1956 Rotarian curlers from clubs in Scotland and Canada (this year all from Southern Ontario) have enjoyed the fellowship of competition every two years, until in 2020 COVID put an end to the visits. In 2022, however, 16 Scots once again visited 13 Ontario hosts and played 13 games between November 6th and 26th. The first game was a "friendly" in Burlington.
At stake were two trophies the Bob Mackintosh Transatlantic Rotary Curling Quaich and for a final match to determine the winner of the Duddingston Trophy. This year Canada walked away with both trophies.
The Quaich, a traditional Scottish two handled drinking cup, goes to the Country with the most points after 44 games at 11 Curling clubs. At each host community four sheets are played, and the four scores are tabulated.
The winner of Duddingston goes to the accumulated score over the final four “sheets” between this years 16 Scottish visitors and the previous 16 players who visited Scotland 4 years ago.
In addition to the two trophies a 66-year-old “Ceremonial Corn Broom” with its tartan trimmings follows the group. It is festooned with pins from each touring team since the inception of the tour.
At each community and venue, the visiting Scots were billeted in host Rotarian homes, many with a couple who had been their hosts when in Scotland. Each community held a banquet in their guests honour inviting Rotarians from neighboring clubs as well. At each stop tours, walks or special events were planned as well.
For example, in London the rinks from Scotland attended a Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph and were thrilled to meet and chat with Flight officer Tom Hennessey, the 100-year-old, RAF veteran who walked 100 miles to raise funds for veterans. While in Grimsby the guests travelled to Niagara Falls to view this natural wonder.
In Kingston, the final stop and site of this year’s Duddingston Trophy competition, the group visited Ottawa, our nation’s capital.
At each curling venue, the curlers were welcomed with Pipes and Drums, two flag bearers and a traditional “wee dram” of whiskey.
While in Norfolk County, Graham Thom, of the Scottish team said, “We’re just here for a bit of fun and fellowship.” Others noted the benefits of meeting Rotarians from across the pond and comparing notes on how other clubs of Rotary International operate.
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 Toast at Simcoe |  With Tom Hennessey at London | |
 End of a game at Simcoe |  Ready to play for the Duddingston Cup at Kingston | |