Why will the sport of curling face a problem around the year 2020?

JaneofGaunt

The lack of material to make quality curling stones. Traditionally, high quality curling stones are made from a specific type of granite called "ailsite", found on Ailsa Craig, an island off the Ayrshire coast in Scotland. Ailsite has very low water absorption, which prevents the action of freezing and melting water from eroding the stone. In the past, most curling stones were made from ailsite, however, the island is now a wildlife reserve and the quarry has closed. Kays of Scotland has been making curling stones since 1851 and has the exclusive rights to Ailsa Craig granite, granted by the Marquess of Ailsa, whose family has owned the island since 1560. The last "harvest" of Ailsa Craig granite by Kays took place in 2002. Kays have said that they harvested 1,500 tons, sufficient to fill anticipated orders through at least 2020. Kays has been the exclusive manufacturer of curling stones for all three Olympics where curling has been a medal sport. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curling#Curling_stone Feb 24 10, 1:00 PM