Gala Awards 2008

The Royal Caledonian Curling Club's Gala Dinner was held at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld, on Saturday. Presented then were awards which recognise the achievements of those involved in curling during the 2007/2008 season.

The Ice Diamonds award, sponsored by Clyde and Forth Press, the parent of the Scottish Curler magazine is for a volunteer or group of volunteers who have contributed to the development and promotion of the sport. The winner of this award represents the 'unsung heroes' of curling who make things happen behind the scenes. This year it was won by
Bill Nicol and the Moray Province Development Group.

Curling Team of the Year - Sponsored by Star Refrigeration
The David Murdoch team was considered to have made the most significant contribution to the sport of curling during the 2007-2008 season.

Coach of the Year (Elite Teams) - sponsored by sportscotland
David Hay was the coach who was considered to have made the most significant contribution to a team during the 2007-2008 season.

Coach of the Year, sponsored by Curling Supplies, was won by Albert Middler.

Young Curler of the Year - sponsored by McMillan Hotels
The young curler who attracted the most votes and supporting evidence for his or her performances throughout the 2007-2008 season was Eve Muirhead.

Ice Rink Manager of the Year sponsored by Ferguson Oliver was won by Tom Brewster of CurlAberdeen.

Ice Maker of the Year (Curling Rink) - Sponsored by Kays of Scotland
The Ice Maker who continually produced good quality ice in a rink whose main purpose is for curling over the 2007 – 2008 season was Tom Brewster.

Ice Maker of the Year (Ice Rink) - Sponsored by Kays of Scotland
This award was presented to the ice maker who continually produces good quality ice in a rink which was used for various reasons including curling during the 2007 - 2008 season. John Heron and John Marr of the Waterfront collected this award.

Writer/Journalist/Photographer of the Year
The award to the journalist/writer/enthusiast whom the members consider had provided excellent coverage either nationally or regionally, via newspapers, magazines, internet, videos or television. This went to yours truly. I suspect the reason was the success of this Curling Today news blog, in support of the Scottish Curler magazine. My thanks to all of you who read it regularly, and to those who voted!

Hugh Stewart's photo is of Bill Nicol with Christine Stewart, the Scottish Curler's depute editor.