So what is the connection between Maybole and Japan? Early in 2006 we received an email from Toshiaki Kitagaki, the Curator for The Kiseki Museum of World Stones in Japan. The museum was planning an introductory booklet for visitors, a page of which featured curling stones. The message requested permission to use one of the many fine photos Davie Law has contributed to the Maybole website. Permission was given and copies of the booklet mailed from Japan to Maybole. Shown above are the cover and two pages about curling stones including Davie's photo of Ailsa Craig, source of many of the best curling stones in the world. Maybole community members David Kiltie, Davie Law and Rich Pettit are also mentioned in the booklet credits! The Kiseki Museum is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji and this year celebrates its 35th anniversary. Next time you are visiting Mt Fuji in Japan stop by the museum for a tour! (Click on the images to view full size)

English Translation of the curling stone pages (p4. and 5) above as kindly provided by Toshiaki Kitagaki and The Kiseki Museum of World Stones

Question: Are Curling Stones made of stone from a particular country?
Answer: Yes. Indeed, Curling Stones are made of stone from a particular country.

Curling has sprung into fame in Japan since Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Curling is a team sport played by two teams sliding a polished stone down a sheet of ice and having it stop as near as the center of the target. Its birthplace is Scotland. In earlier times, flat river stones were used for curling, but today, shaped and polished gabbro from an island called "Ailsa Craig" in Scotland is used. As it is made of natural stones, it sometimes breaks into pieces during the game. In that case, a new stone is placed where the largest piece stopped.