The Grand Match, also known as the Bonspiel, holds a special place in the annals of this game. It was a large-scale curling competition traditionally held on the Lake of Menteith when the ice was sufficiently thick. Teams from the North and South of Scotland would come together in a festival of friendly rivalry, celebrating not only the sport but also the community and camaraderie it fostered. However, due to the effects of climate change, Scotland has not seen a Grand Match since 1979. The ice on the lake, once reliably thick during the winter months, no longer reaches the necessary depth to host the event safely. The loss of this event due to warming temperatures marks an environmental concern and an erosion of an important cultural tradition. 

This project seeks to revitalize and preserve the tradition of the Grand Match in the face of climate change. By recreating the experience of the Grand Match in virtual reality and employing AI to coach participants, we aim to keep the spirit of this cultural event alive, which allows us to honor the past, encapsulating the excitement, skill, and community spirit of the Grand Match for generations to come.

The preservation of cultural heritage is a critical endeavor. It forms the backbone of a community's identity, reminding us of our collective history, values, and experiences. Through technology, we can create a bridge between tradition and progress, ensuring the Grand Match and the sport of curling continue to inspire and bring together people, just as they have done for centuries in Scotland.

Further Readings:

Smith, D., & Cowan, B. (n.d.). The Curling History Blog. In https://curlinghistory.blogspot.com/.

Reid, F. (2010). A Geographical Study of Scottish Sport.

Kay, J., & Vamplew, W. (2006). Under the Weather: Combating the Climate in British Sport [1]. Sport in Society, 9(1), 94–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430430500355832