A Proud Moment for Active Stirling and the Stirling Community.
Active Stirling is proud to reflect on a landmark day for sport and community as The PEAK and the National Curling Academy welcomed The Prince and Princess of Wales to Stirling for a visit that celebrated the area’s sport, creativity and community spirit.
The National Curling Academy: A Hub for Elite Talent
The National Curling Academy plays a crucial role in supporting Britain’s elite curling athletes. Opened in August 2017, the Academy was created to provide year‑round access to high‑quality curling ice — a resource that was previously unavailable in the UK — and designed specifically to prepare athletes for major international competitions.
Meeting Team GB and Paralympics GB Athletes
During the visit, The Prince and Princess, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, were introduced to the world‑class training environment used by both Team GB and Paralympics GB curling teams, who are currently finalising their preparations for the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina.
Athletes and coaches shared insights into their training cycles and the Academy’s impact on their performance pathways.
Both William and Catherine took to the ice to try their hand at the sport, as well as spending time engaging with local community members inside The PEAK.
Curling Heritage in Scotland
Curling has deep roots in Scotland, dating back to the 16th century, and remains one of Great Britain’s most successful winter sports, with multiple Olympic and Paralympic medals across recent Games.
The National Curling Academy continues that legacy by nurturing athletes competing at the highest levels.
We felt extremely honoured to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales to The PEAK on their visit to the National Curling Academy. It was wonderful to see them connecting with the community and I am sure their visit would have further inspired the curling athletes prior to their departure to the Winter Olympics next month.
Stirling Council Chief Executive, Brian Roberts and Lord Provost Rosemary Fraser, were among those to welcome The Prince and Princess of Wales to Stirling.
It was wonderful to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Stirling and our inspiring communities and to be part of this event. We are proud of our superb sporting facilities at the National Curling Academy, managed and maintained by Active Stirling, which gives our athletes the best opportunity to secure further success in this sport. It also inspires more people across Stirling to take up curling and other sports so they can enjoy the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our curling teams and all the Stirling-based athletes well at the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy
The day reinforced Stirling’s position as a hub for sporting excellence and community engagement. Active Stirling is proud to manage The PEAK and support the National Curling Academy’s mission to develop world‑class athletes and inspire future generations.
Try Curling at The PEAK
If you’d like to give curling a go, we have adult and junior classes available at The PEAK. Click below for more details.
Pictures credited by: Andrew Parsons/Kensington Palace