Full Breakdown
Ailsa Craig: The Granite Heart of Olympic Curling Stones
12/19/2025, 6:34:25 AM
The Unique Geology of Ailsa Craig
Ailsa Craig, an uninhabited island located 10 miles off the southwest coast of Scotland, is renowned for its unique granite, which is exclusively used to manufacture curling stones for the Winter Olympics. The island, approximately 1,110 feet high and 2 miles in circumference, was formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago. It is primarily composed of microgranite, which is prized for its durability and elasticity, making it ideal for the sport of curling.
Kays Curling: The Sole Producer of Olympic Stones
Kays Curling, founded in 1851 and based in Mauchline, Scotland, holds the exclusive license to harvest granite from Ailsa Craig. The company has a long-standing relationship with the Olympics, having produced curling stones since the sport was reinstated as a medal event in 1998. Jim English, co-owner of Kays, noted that the company has likely contributed to every gold, silver, and bronze medal won in curling since then. Kays produces between 1,800 and 2,000 stones annually, with Canada being its largest market, followed by increasing orders from Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea.
The Crafting Process of Curling Stones
The production of curling stones involves meticulous selection and processing of granite. Kays sources two types of granite from Ailsa Craig: the common green granite, which forms the body of the stone, and the blue hone granite, which creates the running surface. The blue hone granite is particularly valued for its waterproof properties and is exclusively found on Ailsa Craig. Harvesting involves dislodging boulders from the cliff face using gas charges to break the rock along natural cracks. The stones are then transported to Girvan Harbour, where they are sliced and shaped into the final product.
Environmental Considerations
Efforts are made to protect the local wildlife on Ailsa Craig, which is home to a large colony of gannets and gray seals. Measures include setting rat traps to prevent the introduction of rodents from boats, ensuring the preservation of the island's ecosystem.
Future of Curling and Kays Curling
As curling continues to evolve, the sport is set to launch its first professional league, the Rock League, following the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This league will feature events across the United States, Canada, and Europe, potentially expanding the sport's global reach. Kays Curling is also exploring markets beyond traditional curling nations, having supplied stones to unconventional locations such as Qatar and Antarctica.
Official Statements & Responses
Ricky English, operations manager at Kays, emphasized the unique qualities of Ailsa Craig granite, stating, “You can’t get this granite anywhere else in the world but Ailsa Craig.” He also noted the growing interest in curling in Asia, attributing the rise in orders to the exposure gained during the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Jim English, Co-owner, Kays Curling
- “The granite itself has got elasticity properties in it,” — Ricky English, Operations Manager, Kays Curling
- “The market in Asia seems to be growing quite a bit,” — Ricky English, Operations Manager, Kays Curling
Ailsa Craig remains a vital component of Olympic curling, with its granite stones symbolizing both tradition and the future of the sport.
