A new exhibition is celebrating the rich heritage of curling, one of Scotland's oldest and most iconic sports, and the remarkable role that Linlithgow Loch has played in its history.
Developed in partnership with the Scottish Curling Trust, Bonspiels and Bitter Frosts: Curling in Linlithgow explores the story of curling in and around Linlithgow, from its early origins on frozen lochs and ponds to the modern game.
Through objects, photographs and personal stories, the exhibition reveals how generations of local curlers helped shape one of Scotland's most enduring sporting traditions.
At the heart of the exhibition is Linlithgow Loch, once one of Scotland's best-known outdoor curling venues. The exhibition recalls the famous Royal Caledonian Curling Club Grand Match of 1848, when hundreds of curlers and thousands of spectators gathered on the frozen loch for one of the largest outdoor curling events ever staged in Scotland. The event remains one of the defining moments in Scotland's curling heritage and highlights Linlithgow's important place in the history of the sport.
The exhibition forms part of an exciting year for local heritage, as Linlithgow marks a number of significant historical anniversaries during 2026, celebrating the town's rich history and cultural legacy.
READ MORE:
'Remarkable' medal from early Scottish sporting society up for auction
The roaring game: a celebration of curling history in Scotland
50 easy Scottish summer walks you can do in under an hour
It officially launched at Linlithgow Museum will on Thursday August 6, with the evening attended by two of Scotland's most celebrated curlers: Aileen Neilson, wheelchair curling Paralympic medallist, and Bruce Mouat, double Olympic silver medallist.
Eila Macqueen, Chair of Linlithgow Museum, said: "Curling has been part of Linlithgow's story for centuries, with the frozen waters of Linlithgow Loch providing the setting for countless bonspiels and one of the most celebrated events in Scottish curling history.
"We are delighted to work with the Scottish Curling Trust to share this remarkable heritage and to showcase the people, objects and stories that have made Linlithgow such an important place in the history of one of Scotland's most iconic sports.”
Lindsay Scotland, Heritage Lead at Scottish Curling Trust, said: "The Scottish Curling Trust is delighted to partner with Linlithgow Museum on this exhibition, which shines a light on an area with a remarkable place in Scotland's curling story.
"Linlithgow Loch has long been associated with the sport, from local bonspiels to the famous Grand Match of 1848, and this exhibition brings together many of the objects, photographs and stories that help preserve and share that rich heritage.”
Bonspiels and Bitter Frosts: Curling in Linlithgow runs until Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Linlithgow Museum, located within the Linlithgow Partnership Centre, 93 High Street, Linlithgow EH49 7EZ.
Share