Hadden Rig revisited

Participation in a curling tournament brought our previously victorious rink into contention with one from across the border. Skill and luck deserted us and we were defeated by a better side.

Returning from the fray, we were diverted from our usual route giving a lift home to our third - he who plays third in the rink. Curling positions are simple - lead, second, third and skip. There is a paucity of nomenclature in curling. Each team is referred to as a rink and they play against another rink at the ice rink on the ice. Not too many technical terms!

As the rest of us made our way home from defeat, we passed Hadden Rig, site of the Battle of Hadden Rig.

An old trig point  and a line of ash trees break the bleakness of Hadden Rig

In June 1542, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, accompanied by Sir Robert Bowes, invaded Scotland at the head of an army of 8,000, including some Scots, the Douglas supporters.
 The Earl of Huntly, and Lord Home met the invaders, and scored a decisive victory.

 The Eildon Hills and Hume Castle from Hadden Rig

Similarly, our curling opponents, from over the border, had Scots in their ranks.

The result of our battle on the ice was more akin to Flodden than Hadden Rig.

Scotland hasn't much of a track record in wins over the Auld Enemy

1297, Stirling Bridge; 1314, Bannockburn; 1967, Wembley; 1990, Murrayfield...... and 1542, Hadden Rig.

Sadly, we were unable to add to that list of victories.

Alas, not today!