Kays Scotland, a historic factory located in East Ayrshire, has become the sole supplier of curling stones for the Winter Olympics, highlighting a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing. This year, a total of 132 stones were meticulously crafted from ancient granite sourced from Ailsa Craig, a small island in the Firth of Clyde, and shipped to the Winter Games in Cortina, Italy.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Ricky English, the operations manager at Kays Scotland, proudly describes the intricate process involved in creating these iconic stones. “It takes 60 million years and about six hours to make a curling stone,” he explains, while surrounded by granite wheels at various stages of refinement. The factory, which has been in operation since 1851 and employs just 15 skilled artisans, began its longstanding relationship with the Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924. Since curling became an official medal sport in 1998, Kays has supplied every stone used in the event.
This small but vital business is not reliant on automation; the stones are handcrafted, preserving the rich history and tradition of the sport. “It’s not just robots and machines,” says English. “It’s a great wee place.”
Unique Materials for Superior Performance
The curling stones are made from two distinct types of granite, both of which are exclusively sourced from Ailsa Craig. The body of each stone is composed of a robust common green granite, known for its elasticity, which allows for a spring-like effect when stones collide. The running band, which is the only part of the stone that touches the ice, is crafted from blue hone granite, renowned for its waterproof qualities, making it ideal for glide. “The only place on the planet you can get that is Ailsa Craig,” English notes, emphasising the factory’s commitment to quality.
As the stones progress through the manufacturing process, they undergo several stages of shaping and polishing, utilising pumice and diamond pads to achieve a liquid finish. The attention to detail is evident not only in the curling stones but also in the miniature versions, drinks cubes, and coasters produced in-house. Recently, Kays has secured a contract to create official giftware for the Winter Olympics, providing a significant boost to the business and presenting logistical challenges due to high demand, particularly from the United States.
A Sustainable Future
Kays Scotland maintains a production rate of 48 stones per week, and each stone is assigned a unique number that identifies its origin back to the original boulder. The granite from Ailsa Craig is harvested every six to seven years, with an estimated 680 million tonnes remaining, ensuring a sustainable supply for the future. The stones, priced at £750 each, are not only built to last but can also be returned to the factory for refurbishment. “I think this is the only product in the world where you can come back after 20 years,” English states. “It’s about reliability and performance and they’re used on the biggest stage in the world.”
Why it Matters
The story of Kays Scotland serves as a testament to the importance of preserving traditional skills within a modern context. As the only supplier of curling stones for the Winter Olympics, the factory represents a unique intersection of heritage and innovation. The enduring nature of these stones, coupled with their role in a globally celebrated sport, highlights the significance of maintaining local craftsmanship while contributing to an international event. As curling continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Kays Scotland stands as a proud symbol of Scottish tradition and excellence on the global stage.
