Scots Curling provides Olympic inspiration

Scottish curling inspired South Korea’s Olympic women’s curling team that won silver at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.

The team revealed that Scotland’s ice rinks are their favourite training base before major international tournaments, travelling more than five thousand miles to prepare.

They also praised Scotland’s former World Champion curler and Olympic Silver Medallist David Murdoch who they consider a role model because of his positive attitude to the sport.

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop met members of South Korea’s victorious curling team at an event in Seoul to promote Scotland to travel industry leaders and media. As a sign of friendship, Ms Hyslop was presented with a signed South Korean team jersey.

She said:

“I was delighted to meet the South Korean curling team and to hear how Scottish curling inspired them in the run up to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. The team has clearly established a close relationship with Scotland.

“The Scottish Government values the strong cultural relationship Scotland has with South Korea and the opportunity to build on our cultural links. I also want more South Koreans to visit Scotland, to sample our world-famous hospitality and friendship.”

President of the Gyeongsangbuk Curling Association Kim KyungDoo said:

“The South Korean team has been regular visitor to Scotland because it is the fundamental root of world curling, a place to understand its spiritual meaning and value. Scotland is the best place to learn curling.

“David Murdoch spent ten days here and practised with the South Korean team. He is a role model for our athletes. It is not just his technical skills, he has the right mind set and a great attitude towards curling. That is what I am trying to pass on to the South Korean curling team. We enjoy a very strong relationship with the Scottish team.”

Background

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited Japan and the South Korea between July 2-5 to strengthen economic and cultural links.