A CURLING stone estimated to be around 150-years-old has been unearthed on a Peeblesshire farm.

The discovery was made by a farm worker who was clearing a blocked field drain in the Manor Valley. 

Initially believing it to be an old stone of no significance, farmer Robert Barr, of Woodhouse Manor, realised it was an old curling stone and contacted Roger Scott of Peebles Curling Club who confirmed the discovery.

Roger told us: “Soon after Robert got in touch with me, I collected the stone and took it to Ian Sieth, part-time curator of Duddingston Curling Club in Edinburgh. 

“The group has formed a museum at Duddingston Loch and, following an inspection, Ian believes the stone is at least 150 years-old. 

“The stone weighed 41 pounds, and the typical weight of a curling stone is between 38 and 44 pounds.” 

Roger then took the stone to Gerry Rossi, a monumental sculptor in Peebles who confirmed that it had been carved out of Whinstone, a material used to create curling stones.

Roger added: “We do not have actual evidence that curling was played in the area of Woodhouse Manor in the Manor Valley, but given the moderately flat land, it does seem possible. 

“There is no mention of any curling at Woodhouse in the Peebles minute book, which is currently held at the Scottish Records Office in Edinburgh. 

“I do know that the Peebles club played long ago at the flooded gytes and the still waters cuddies pool in the town.

“If one curling stone has been discovered in this location within the Manor Valley, there is a possibility that more curling stones could be buried within this particular area.”

Peebles Curling Club was formed in 1821 and still continues to this day.