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1860
The page abstract shown is from from the RCCC Annual of 1860, and indicates that the Nairn club of 1854 was still registered under Nairnshire. Before provinces were established, RCCC registered clubs were listed under their respective counties. The formation of a regular curling club in the town must have been ongoing from 1854 but it had not been fully established by the winter of 1860 - 61.
1861
The first Nairnshire Telegraph of 1861 carried a report of curling on the River Nairn at Firhall, over three days prior to New Year.
The River Nairn at that time was held back by a weir at Firhall, to provide a water for the working of the mill further downstream. When frozen, the river above the weir would have provided a surface for curling.
It is interesting to note that the new club was to involve Nairnshire "gentlemen" as well as townspeople. The cryptic editorial comment at the end of this piece is a reminder to the Nairn curlers that they were already lagging behind Elgin, Forres, Inverness and Dingwall in making the game a popular winter pastime.
The following week it is reported that a site a suitable pond beside the River Nairn had been inspected and favourably reported on.
The proposed curling pond beside the river found favour with the working party and By the end of the month the curling club seemed to be finally established with local banker, Mr Macdougal as president, Mr. Penny as secretary/treasurer and a committee appointed to get the curling pond formed.
1862
An enterprising blacksmith from Altyre won an International Award for his Ice Plane
Meanwhile, two neighbouring Clubs, Altyre and Darnaway were active on Blairs Loch. The report infers that curlers from Forres also took part.
1865
The Nairn Curling Club of 1861 appears to have lasted only lasted one season. The most likely reason is the failure to create a curling pond on the chosen site. The "Nairnshire" suggests using the Ministers Loch at Lochloy or better still the pond beside the old Marine Hotel (now Marine Flats). This was a pond in an old quarry which was later filled in to create the putting green on the links.
1867
This is the last year the Nairn Club appears in the 'Annual' with Mr Penny as secretary.
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