David Melrose returns to competitive action in Canada

Melrose replaced two-time Paralympian Robert McPherson who has had to withdraw due to illness.

Melrose was partnered by Charlotte McKenna at the event which will run simultaneously with the World Wheelchair Champs.

Former firefighter Melrose made his debut at the World Wheelchair Champs in 2019 when Scotland won silver on home ice and last competed at elite level at the Beijing Paralympics in 2022.

And in Canada he made another career debut in the new discipline which will be introduced to the Paralympic schedule in Milan-Cortina 2026.

Ahead of the event, he said: “Obviously it is not the way you want to get the call-up and I know how it felt when I missed out on the Worlds back in 2020 because I was not fit to go, so I know Bob (McPherson) will be disappointed, but I also know he will bounce back and will be even more determined to get selected again and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“I have been curling socially since I left the programme last year which has kept my hand in and I love this new discipline. I personally find it more demanding mentally and physically as you are throwing more stones and my partner Charlotte has really helped me.

“It has been great being back with my team-mates again and it is always a huge honour to pull on that Scotland top and represent your country and I am also really looking forward to my first time competing in Canada.”

The pair lost their first match 9-3 to Hungary on Saturday, March 4, then the following day they were defeated 10-3 by China.

On Monday, March 6, they lost 8-0 to Slovakia and 11-6 to Norway.

Scotland’s first win came on Tuesday, March 7, when they beat Estonian 10-9 and the following day they secured another win, beating Switzerland 11-3.

On Thursday, March 9, they lost 7-6 to Finland but the following day they defeated USA 6-1.

The final match of the tournament ended in a 9-8 win over Poland which meant Scotland finished fourth in Pool A.