Perth’s Robin Brydone feels well-placed to make a charge for the Scottish Curling Championships title this week.
Brydone, who represents Team Whyte, will line-up alongside fellow Fair City curler Duncan McFadzean, Euan Kyle and Ross Whyte in Dumfries.
Team Whyte, ranked 10 in the world, were edged out in the final last year and are determined to go one better this time around.
Brydone has been pleased with form and, ahead of the Monday start, said: “We had a good run at the Perth Masters and played well at both competitions in Canada.
“There have been a couple of mistakes here and there but we’ve had a good few weeks of practice ready for next week.
“I would say we have definitely improved compared to the team we were last season. We have had another year of experience in the men’s game and in the Slams. I feel like we have matured and know we have a great opportunity.”
World-ranked number three Team Mouat are in the draw having missed out last year due to the Olympics, where they won silver.
Brydone believes tough challenges come from every angle and including from Auchterarder’s Mark Watt who plays with up-and-coming Team Craik.
“The Scottish is going to be tougher this year,” Brydone admitted.
“Team Mouat is obviously back in the fold after missing last year due to the Olympics. So that is always a tough task.
“Team Craik is going really well at the moment, making the semi-final at the Perth Masters and winning the Winter World University Games. They are clipping our heels and that drives us on.”
In the women’s draw, Perth’s Holly Wilkie-Milne and Auchterarder’s Laura Watt slide onto the ice with Team Henderson, while Beth Farmer, of Kinross, also takes her team to Dumfries.
