In a major celebration of Scottish heritage, the nation’s whisky industry is set to revive its long-standing bond with curling through a new event led by double Winter Olympian Lauren Gray. Held on Friday 27th February 2026 at Perth Ice Rink, the “Whisky On Ice” event brings together 16 whisky industry teams for a day designed to renew tradition, strengthen connections, and inspire a new wave of Scottish curlers.
Once a winter staple across whisky-producing communities, curling was historically played by distillery teams as a way to connect, compete and celebrate local spirit. With curling fever expected to grip the UK following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, the whisky sector is uniting to reignite this cultural link, and Gray is determined to use the moment to inspire new people to step onto the ice.
The 64 participants (16 teams of 4 players) will begin the day with introductory coaching from experienced instructors to learn the sport’s essential skills, before enjoying a networking lunch and taking part in an afternoon tournament to crown the inaugural “Whisky on Ice” Champion.
For Gray, the event is about more than competition. It’s about legacy.
Lauren Gray, event organiser, said: “Curling has always been part of Scotland’s social fabric, and the whisky industry played a huge role in that heritage through sponsorship and competitive tournaments. Whisky on Ice is one way of bringing that connection back to life – and at the perfect time! When interest in curling across the UK will be sky-high after watching our fantastic Team GB curlers compete in the Winter Olympics in Cortina.
It would be a dream to see new people from every corner of Scotland discover curling. It’s a sport that’s accessible for all ages and abilities, brilliant for socialising, and hugely positive for mental health. If Whisky on Ice helps even a few people fall in love with the sport the way I did, it will be a success.”
Perth was chosen as the host city in recognition of its long-standing role in Scotland’s whisky industry – once known as the “blending capital” – and its deep-rooted place in the country’s curling history, as well as being home to the World Curling Federation. At a time when the future of Perth’s dedicated ice facilities is under increasing discussion, Whisky on Ice also highlights the importance of protecting spaces that allow Scotland’s sporting and social traditions to thrive.
Gray extended her thanks to headline sponsors Whisky Auctioneer, the world’s leading online whisky auction, and Croxsons, a 150-year-old family business that manufactures premium glass packaging for the food and drink sector, whose support has enabled the event to create fresh energy around the sport and its heritage.
She also extends her gratitude to Scottish Curling for their support in organising the event and hopes to see their member numbers grow off the back of the Whisky On Ice event.
Whisky on Ice aims to become an annual fixture, reconnecting whisky communities with curling traditions while welcoming a new generation to take to the ice in Scotland.