Curling Matriarch Knits for Charity While Grandsons Chase Olympic Gold
Janet McMillan, an 87-year-old grandmother from Stranraer, Wigtownshire, is combining her lifelong passion for curling with her knitting skills as she watches her grandsons compete for Team GB at the Winter Olympics. While Grant Hardie and Hammy McMillan, her grandsons and cousins, pursue a curling gold medal, Mrs McMillan passes the time by crafting a blanket for charity from the spectator stands.
A Legacy Built on Ice
Nearly six decades ago, Janet McMillan played a pivotal role in establishing the ice rink that would become the foundation of a curling dynasty. In 1961, she and her late husband, Hammy, purchased the North West Castle hotel in Stranraer. Six years later, they constructed an ice rink on the premises, which officially opened in 1970.
Initially conceived as a business strategy to attract more patrons to the hotel's bar, the rink rapidly evolved into a central hub for the curling community. It has since nurtured numerous champions, including Mrs McMillan's own son, Hammy Snr, and has produced a steady stream of European, World, and Olympic titleholders.
Knitting Through the Tension
Mrs McMillan has turned her knitting into a comforting ritual during high-stakes matches. "It's just a habit that I bring knitting every time I come to the curling," she remarked. Her grandson, Hammy Jnr, noted that she has been knitting in the stands since 1999, when her son triumphed at the World Championships.
Grant Hardie shared on Instagram, "She has loved following the family's curling progress throughout her life and will always be seen with her knitting needles in the crowd. At the age of 87 we're very fortunate she's able to come and support us as it means so much to us both."
Family Pride and Support
The McMillan family's dedication to curling runs deep. Mrs McMillan expressed her pride, stating, "We've had quite a number of world curlers and the boys are doing a great job at the moment." Her daughter, Fiona Hardie, added, "My mum and dad would go everywhere to watch them and mum is coming out to Cortina with us. Dad would be so proud."
This heartwarming story highlights not only a sporting legacy but also the enduring bonds of family and community. As Team GB advances in the competition, Janet McMillan continues to knit, symbolizing the quiet strength and support behind the scenes of athletic excellence.
