Team Scotland have made a line-up change ahead of the World Wheelchair Mixed Doubles Championships which get underway at the Richmond Curling Centre in British Columbia, Canada next week (4-12 March 2023).
David Melrose who 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 now makes another career debut in the new discipline which be introduced to the Paralympic schedule in Milan-Cortina 2026.
He replaces two-time Paralympian Robert McPherson who has had to withdraw due to illness and Melrose will be partnered by Charlotte McKenna at the event which will run simultaneously with the World Wheelchair Champs. 
“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,” said Melrose.
“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.”
Melrose and McKenna open their mixed doubles campaign against Hungary, while their Scotland team mates meet Korea.
Please click here for more event information from the World Curling Federation.
Scotland Mixed Doubles Team:
Charlotte McKenna
David Melrose
Scotland Team: (Playing positions TBC)
Jo Butterfield (MBE)
Meggan Dawson-Farrell
Gregor Ewan
Gary Logan
Hugh Nibloe
#curling #WWhCC2023 #WWhMDCC2023
Images: PPA/Graeme Hart.
