Ross leads team up world rankings after Canada win

Kirkintilloch curler Ross Paterson had a more eventful festive break than most recently - by leading his team to their first Grand Slam victory in Canada.
Kirkintilloch curler Ross Paterson is congratulated on his success by Councillor Billy HendryKirkintilloch curler Ross Paterson is congratulated on his success by Councillor Billy Hendry
Kirkintilloch curler Ross Paterson is congratulated on his success by Councillor Billy Hendry

Ross led the four-man team to secure victory at the event which features the world’s top curling teams and was broadcast live on CBC, Canada’s national public broadcaster.

Team Paterson went head-to-head with fellow Scots team led by Bruce Mouat at the event and won 4-3 to claim the tournament. The result means that team has progressed up the world rankings from 15th to 8th.

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Ross (34), an officer with the East Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards team, said: “It has been an amazing experience.

“It’s the first time I have led a team and I enjoyed that extra responsibility. We only started competing together as a team in August and we were ranked 15th in the world, so to win a Grand Slam this early on is pretty good.

“It’s the first time in history that the final has been between two Scottish teams which shows the strength of Scottish curling right now.

“To win against them was a great wee extra for us because we know what a good team they are.”

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Last year Ross returned to his council job following an 18-month sabbatical which he took to train full-time.

In April 2018 he was part of the five man team which won bronze at the World Championships after beating South Korea, which marked Scotland?s first win at this level in curling since 2013.

Ross added: “East Dunbartonshire Council has been fantastic in supporting me and allowing me to pursue my dream through flexible working.

“I’ve been very lucky. Not every employer would be so accommodating. I have a great manager and colleagues who have supported me every step of the way.

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Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets said: “It is always heartening to see someone from our staff achieve international success.

“We are delighted at Ross’s victory. To triumph at this level in front of a global TV audience is testament to his skill and professionalism.

“All his hard work and training has clearly paid off and we look forward to seeing what this year holds for Ross and his team.”