Harvey conveyed the excitement, humour and enjoyment of one of Scotland's national sports. The curlers are playing outside on a frozen lake, the wintry landscape illuminated by the late afternoon sun, providing a seasonal backdrop for the theatrical composition. The players themselves reflect the whole spectrum of rural society. The painting proved to be immensely popular when it was exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in 1835 and Harvey made a number of copies to meet demand. An engraving of the picture was made in 1838 by William Howison and published by the influential art dealer, Alexander Hill.