A GROUP of county curlers received a special flag which they are preparing to hand over to a rival team from Canada.

The flag, which had been flying at Athelstaneford – home of the Saltire – was presented to the East Lothian team’s president Dave Munro by East Lothian Provost John McMillan.

Munro will now hand the flag over, on behalf of the East Lothian Province of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, to visitors from Canada when they play for the Strathcona Cup, for which the sides compete every five years.

The presentation will take place during the final stages of this year’s competition in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Munro, who competed when the cup was contested in Canada in 2013, said: “The presentation of this flag to the Canadians will be very well received, particularly since it is being presented from East Lothian, a region which has had such significant input into the history and development of the sport of curling.

“The sport doesn’t, in my opinion, receive the coverage and plaudits it deserves so to have East Lothian Council and the Scottish Flag Trust making such a thoughtful action to show their understanding of the importance of the sport is greatly appreciated.”

Provost John McMillan added: “It was a privilege to meet some of our elite East Lothian curlers and to present the flag to them.

“I wish both nations well in the forthcoming competition but I sincerely hope our Scottish province teams, and particularly East Lothian of course, do us proud!

“It’s been fascinating to hear about the strong links between Scotland and Canada, particularly in relation to the sport of curling, which is celebrated in this competition.”