Ailsa Craig, a small uninhabited island 10 miles off southwest Scotland, is the source of the super-dense granite used to make curling stones for the Winter Olympics.
Granite Source
The island, about 1,110 feet high and 2 miles in circumference, is believed to have formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago. The Scottish Geology Trust notes that it is composed “almost entirely of microgranite,” whose “essentially unflawed nature” makes it ideal for curling stones.
Kays Curling Legacy
Kays Curling, founded in 1851 and based in Mauchline near Ayr, has produced every curling stone for the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The company’s history with the Olympics dates back to 1924 in Chamonix, where curling was long thought to be an exhibition event but was later confirmed as official. Since curling returned as a medal sport in Nagano 1998, Kays has continued to supply stones.
Harvesting Process
Kays can go years between harvests. The common green “falls off naturally, so we just pick from the site,” Ricky English said. Those selections weigh between 6 and 10 tons. The blue hone granite, which forms the running surface, is under 2 tons and requires dislodging from the cliff face. Engineers drill and insert a gas charge to break the rock along its natural cracks.
Stone Construction
Boulders are lifted into containers and ferried back to Girvan Harbour. Galloway Granite slices the boulders and cuts round “cheeses” from them, then sends them back to Kays. The common green granite forms most of the stone, including the striking band around the middle. A hole is drilled through the center; the stone weighs on average 42 lbs (19 kg). The blue hone insert is glued in place, and the handle is attached. A double-insert stone, with blue hone on both sides, costs 750 pounds ($990), while a set of 16 costs 12,000 pounds ($15,860). The single-insert stone costs 704 pounds ($930).
Environmental Measures
Steps are taken on the island to protect a large colony of Gannets and some gray seals. Rat traps are set to ensure that boats from the mainland- the trip takes just over an hour- don’t reintroduce rodents to the island.
Market Reach
Kays produces 1,800 to 2,000 stones per year. Canada is its biggest market, while China, Japan and South Korea are increasing their orders. “The market in Asia seems to be growing quite a bit,” Ricky English said. “The 2022 Olympics (in Beijing) has maybe just gave it that wee push over there.”
Global Distribution
Kays has also sent stones to less-obvious curling spots like Qatar and Antarctica, where a travel company was using curling as part of a “luxury experience.”
Kays’ Exclusive License
The company holds the only license to harvest granite from Ailsa Craig, which is owned by Lord David Thomas Kennedy, 9th Marquess of Ailsa.
Granite’s Elasticity
“The granite itself has got elasticity properties in it,” Ricky English said. In a collision, energy is both absorbed and released, “so the stone doesn’t split.” The blue hone granite is essentially waterproof, making it perfect for the running surface.
Curling’s Popularity
Scottish Curling traces the sport’s local roots back to 1540 in Paisley Abbey. Centuries later, curling is about to launch its first professional league, after the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The Rock League will feature events in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Jim English’s Insight
Jim English, co-owner of Kays Curling, took a few seconds to evaluate a boulder during a recent visit. He assessed it for big cracks and large specks on the surface. “It’s not just a case of landing a boat and then looking for granite. There’s a particular type of granite we’re looking for,” he said in the shadow of a 19th-century lighthouse that is no longer manned. “We look for ones that have got really tight surface pattern.”
Historical Claim
“We can argue that it’s probably won every gold, silver and bronze medal since the sport became a medal sport back in 1998,” said English.
Key Takeaways
- Ailsa Craig’s microgranite is uniquely suited for Olympic curling stones.
- Kays Curling’s heritage dates back to 1924, and the company supplies 1,800-2,000 stones annually.
- The company’s exclusive license and careful harvesting protect wildlife while meeting global demand.
The story of Ailsa Craig granite underscores how a remote Scottish island continues to shape the world of winter sport, providing the very stone that carries athletes toward Olympic glory.
