I only once had the pleasure to play against Jim and that was in the Scottish District 4 Fours final in 2017. The game was all square going into the last end and Jim was skipping for Stonehaven. He and Lauren had already qualified in the mixed pairs for Ayr however he was determined to qualify in a second event. Unfortunately for Jim & his rink but fortunately for us, we won the last end to qualify. After the game, although obviously disappointed, Jim was very gracious in defeat and wished us all the best.

I was delighted to be able to say that I saw Jim and Lauren win the Scottish Mixed Pairs at Ayr which was a great achievement!

Since that first meeting I met Jim a few times mainly through junior events that Lauren was playing and he was great to speak to and always a gentleman.

A great loss but I am so glad to say that I played against him!!