Culbokie & Curling

We are grateful for an enquiry leading us to carry out some research into the history of curling as it affected the residents of Culbokie. Given the popularity of the sport and the existence, still, of outside rinks, some in use when conditions are favourable, it hadn't occurred to us that there was history to be pursued.

The short answer to the question "Was there ever a rink in Culbokie?" - appears to be - "No".

What has become apparent is that the residents had curling rinks available in Muir of Ord, Tore (Belmaduthy) and Conon Bridge (Caberfeidh). Caberfeidh appears to be the most popular Club used by residents. Note: Belmaduthy - an area south of Culbokie easily reached from the Mount Eagle road and probably associated with Munlochy for the curling connection.

A full history of the sport can be found on the website of Ross and Cromarty Heritage web site in the section Pan Ross Social. A definitely easier source of the information is the pdf format document "Curling in Ross-shire". The following notes will be based on that document.

To search the document use the keys and enter a keyword. There are several obvious ones; Culbokie and Caberfeidh. Whilst searching you will discover that it is a veritable Who's Who  of long-term families that have played a significant part in the history of Culbokie - happy searching and it is very easy to get lost, such as the many references to Loch Craig on the Brahan Estate used by the Caberfeidh club and probably the most interesting part of the history of the Caberfeidh Club.

In the Gallery below are photos of the four curling ponds with which Culbokie curlers would have become familar.