Outline plans have been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council for a National Curling Academy on a near three-acre site in Kinross designed by Archial Architects, one of the largest architectural practices in Scotland and the UK.

The planning bid, submitted by the Kinross Curling Trust, is supported by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, the sport's governing body in Scotland.

The plans comprise proposals for a six-rink ice pad, changing facilities, gym, cafe, curling museum, offices and associated facilities. Parking would also be provided for around 130 cars.

Charles Smith, director at Archial Architects, said: "The general design features of the building reflect the intentions for a world class facility. The elevational treatment of the building is suitably distinctive and will enhance the site's sense of identity and linkages to the adjacent rural character, using natural, sustainable materials such as timber cladding within the scheme, which creates a horizontal emphasis to the building.


"The use of different materials externally relates directly to the internal composition, therefore linking the internal space arrangements with the external appearance which, in turn, relates to the site and its origins."

Mr Smith said whilst the development is to become an integral part of one of Kinross-shire's main settlements, the palette chosen specifically reflects the rural setting.

The National Curling Academy is scheduled to be operational in time for the 2010/2011 season. Kinross was chosen as the location for the new National Curling Academy because of its historic links with curling. Instituted in 1668, Kinross Curling Club is believed to be the oldest curling club in the world.

It is the intention that once the new facility is established, the existing curling rink and swimming pool within the Green Hotel will be decommissioned.

The Archial Group Plc employs around 170 staff in Scotland, operating from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness.

(GK/KMcA)