The region’s Olympics heroes are to be honoured with a civic reception in Dumfries and Galloway.
Finances were briefly put aside at the council’s annual budget meeting on Tuesday as elected members highlighted the achievements of the curling stars from Dumfries and Galloway.
Stranraer and the Rhins Councillor Tommy Sloan said Scotland was proud of the teams and asked if a reception could be held to honour them.
Council leader Elaine Murray replied: “There is a reception coming up, it’s being organised.
“We wanted to acknowledge the successes of other curlers in earlier competitions and also the summer Olympics.
“So, that’s something the Winter Olympics champions will be invited to.
“I would like to congratulate both teams on their historic achievements.
“The hard work and dedication to excellence that goes into achieving such success is an inspiration not only to everyone living in Dumfries and Galloway but also across Scotland and the UK.
“We are blessed in Dumfries and Galloway with having excellent curling facilities in Lockerbie, Stranraer and Dumfries Ice Bowl.
“Such facilities, the Curling’s Cool programme and partnership working between Dumfries Curling, Scottish Curling, the clubs throughout the region and the council give us every chance of building on this success in the decades to come.
“Maybe, in 20 years’ time, there will be a new generation of athletes inspired by the exploits of Grant Hardie, Hammy McMillan, Bobby Lammie, Ross Whyte and Vicky Wright.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, also representing Stranraer and the Rhins, said: “I’m really looking forward to celebrating their success, but I just want to give a shout out to tiny little Leswalt Primary School.
“Two medal winners coming from a tiny school in Leswalt, and they couldn’t be more excited.”
North West Dumfries Councillor David McKie said: “Sitting watching the curling brought tears to my eyes. Everybody should be congratulated for what they achieved.”
Meanwhile, Lochar Councillor Ivor Hyslop said: “My two boys play curling and I remember sitting in the curling lounge watching my boys train, and a young lad next door them, Ross Whyte, was there throwing stones up and down himself, hour after hour, dedicated to his sport.
“This is what it takes to get you there. We also need to thank the hundreds of volunteers across the region who help out, whether it’s at North West Castle, the Ice Bowl, or at Lockerbie.”
In Westminster MP David Mundell put down a motion in the House of Commons to congratulate the teams.
The messages came as Dumfries Ice Bowl hosts the Scottish
Curling Championships for the first time.
“And I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all the other elite athletes competing in the Scottish Curling Championships at Dumfries Ice Bowl this week.”
