A funding package worth £385,000 has been unveiled by sportscotland which will be invested in the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC), the governing body for curling in Scotland.

The investment is designed to ensure the country remains one of the top curling nations by nurturing future champions through a strong coaching programme and increasing grassroots participation in the sport. Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: "Curling is one of Scotland's most successful sports with 35 medals on the world stage over the last 10 years, but investment in the sport is essential if we are to continue that excellent track record.

"The sportscotland funding of £385,000 to the RCCC will allow them to build on this success." The announcement was made at the reopening of the refurbished Lockerbie Ice Rink in Dumfries and Galloway. The rink received £214,151 from sportscotland for the work, which included an upgrade of its refrigeration plant and changing rooms.

Energy efficient lights and a lift for wheelchair users have also been installed at the rink, which is a training venue for West of Scotland Institute of Sport curlers.