November 12, 2002
Scotland Today
Curling takes to the silver screen
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Now it may not have a reputation as a glamorous sport but the world of curling is to become the setting of a new Scottish film. The Bums' Rush is being produced by actor Dougray Scott who also has a small role in the black comedy.

With production starting next week in the Highlands, the star and the rest of cast gingerly took to the ice for their first practice session.

The actors' first curling practice proved an amusing interruption to this afternoon's game for the ladies of Greenacres Curling Club, as the cast of Scotland's latest film line up for their first venture onto the ice.

Dougray Scott said: "I play a small part, Frankie the fence whose life is the curling club, know a lot of people have passions in their life, some have football, others golf, Frankie has curling, a bit sad really, shouldnt say that. Its a very good game, I've just had a go and its good fun."

Stewart Svaasand, the writer and director, said: "We do hope that we can do curlers some justice and they dont look like complete novices but we are under no illusions that after one lesson, they are not going to be the finished article."

The film follows three friends whose lives are changed forever when they think they strike gold in the hills but their plans are ruined when it comes to the attention of the local curling club. For the moment, the stars are more concerned with just keeping upright.

Jamie Sives said: "We watched all these ladies playing it earlier and they were making it look very easy but as soon as we got on the ice we were all over the place."

Kevin McKidd added: "I'm just doing the brooming thing, I don't know what it's called, the back and forth with the stick. I don't think I'll be frequenting the curling rink after this, it's a bit too nippy for me as well."

The cast will have to get used to those chilly temperatures, with filming due to get underway next week, it seems they will have to put in plenty of practise.

©2002 Scotland Today