The new Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association President (61) thinks that participating in curling has a number of benefits for disabled people.

"When you are in a wheelchair you are given a life sentence," he said. "You are trapped in your own home.

"But curling is getting disabled people like me out of their homes.

"You are socially involved with other people, making new friends and getting great exercise. And best of all, the curling is great fun!

"I found out two years ago that there was wheelchair curling in Hamilton. I joined it and it has been terrific ever since."

Wheelchair curlers can also play the game to an extremely high standard.
They can take on - and often beat - able bodied players.

"The difference between wheelchair curling and conventional curling is that we don't have anyone sweeping," Arthur added.

"That makes it harder for us to get the curling stone to go in the right direction.

"So there's actually more skill involved in our format of the game. In many ways, it's much more difficult.

"It wasn't that long ago that a team of ours beat an able bodied rink from Lanark Curling Club.

"I'm currently trying to organise a game at Hamilton next September between the British Olympic curling team and the Scottish wheelchair champions. It will be interesting to see what happens."

Arthur skips a South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club rink, for whom he is also president.

Arthur is also looking forward to his new role as Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association president.

"I'm surprised but delighted to be appointed," Arthur said.

"I will enjoy the work. If you don't enjoy something, don't do it!"

South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club secretary David Morgan said that Arthur thoroughly deserves his latest appointment.