National Championships
The 2026 Bowls Scotland National Championships, sponsored by Gallagher Insurance, will take place at the National Centre for Bowling, Northfield, Ayr, from Saturday 8th to Saturday 15th August.
Eight days of competition will bring together qualifiers from clubs across Scotland as national titles are decided across the gents, ladies, youth and para disciplines.
2026 Bowls Scotland National Championships provisional schedule of play can be found here.
To view the draws for this year's National Championships, please click on the relevant links below:
The rules and byelaws for Championships can be found here.
Live scoring is available to view from the Semi-Finals onwards HERE.
2026 National Championships Programme
The official programme for the 2026 Bowls Scotland National Championships is now available to view online.
The programme contains the full schedule of play, competitor listings, event information, features and everything you need to follow this year’s Championships.
View the 2026 National Championships Programme
Watch the National Championships Live
Bowls Scotland is delighted to provide live coverage from all eight days of the 2026 National Championships, delivered in partnership with Play Vision.
A selected match from Green A, Rink 1 will be broadcast during each streaming session. Most sessions will be available live and on demand through the Bowls Scotland YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Four selected finals will receive exclusive BBC coverage:
- Mixed Pairs Final – Monday 10th August
- Para Pairs Final – Tuesday 11th August
- Ladies Singles Final – Saturday 15th August
- Gents Singles Final – Saturday 15th August
The BBC broadcasts will be available through BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer in the UK, with coverage of these matches also available to viewers outside the UK.
Use the links below to watch:
Tickets and Entry
Tickets will be available to purchase at the entrance to the Championships on Hunters Avenue.
Ticket options include:
- Daily ticket – £7
- Four-Day Opening Half Wristband – £26, valid from Saturday 8th to Tuesday 11th August
- Four-Day Final Half Wristband – £26, valid from Wednesday 12th to Saturday 15th August
- Full Week Wristband – £50, valid across all eight days
Children under the age of 16 can enter free of charge when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Cash and card payments will be accepted. Please note that there is no cash machine at the venue. The nearest cash machine is at Tesco Express on Prestwick Road, approximately a five-minute walk away.
A wristband system will be in operation. Visitors should keep their wristband on throughout the day and must show it at the entrance if leaving and returning to the venue.
Opening Times
- Entrance gates: 8am–6pm
- Catering facilities: 8am–6pm
- Retail marquee: 8am–6pm
- Main bar: 10am until the end of play
Opening and closing times may change depending on the scheduled start and finish of play each day.
Getting Here
The Championships will take place at:
National Centre for Bowling
Northfield
Hunters Avenue
Ayr
KA8 9AL
Parking and Park & Ride
There is no public parking available at the National Centre for Bowling or on the surrounding streets during the Championships.
Spectators are encouraged to use public transport or the dedicated free Park & Ride service.
The Park & Ride is located at:
Afton Avenue
Prestwick
KA9 2AA
Parking stewards will be available to direct visitors, with shuttle buses running approximately every 10 minutes at peak times.
The Park & Ride surface is grass and may be uneven or slippery during wet weather.
Public Transport
Newton-on-Ayr railway station is approximately 0.5 miles from the venue and around a 10-minute walk.
Ayr Bus Station is approximately 1.5 miles from the venue and around a 30-minute walk or short taxi journey.
Regular rail and bus services operate between Ayr, Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
Accessibility
The National Centre for Bowling is wheelchair accessible and includes:
- Step-free access throughout the venue and to all bowling greens
- Accessible toilets
- Designated accessible outdoor viewing areas
- Additional seating around the venue
- Free period products in all toilet facilities
- Assistance available for visitors who require a quieter space or a short break from busy environments
- Assistance dogs welcome
Grandstand seating is accessed by steps and may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
The Championships take place in a temporary outdoor event environment. Some surfaces and temporary flooring may be uneven, particularly in the hospitality and retail marquees or during wet weather.
Free companion entry is available for visitors who require support to attend the Championships. Evidence such as a National Entitlement Card displaying category C or C+, or a Carer Card, may be requested.
View the National Championships Accessibility Statement
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking will be available at:
Ayr United Football Club
Somerset Park
Tryfield Place
Ayr
KA8 9NB
Spaces are limited to 30 vehicles each day and must be booked in advance. Priority will be given to para bowlers competing on Tuesday 11th August and Saturday 15th August.
Accessible parking is available for non-ambulant visitors and those with a balance impairment or difficulty walking short distances unaided.
An accessible minibus will operate between Ayr United and Northfield. An accessible taxi will also be based at the venue to provide return transport.
To reserve a space, email info@bowlsscotland.com with:
- Your name
- The date or dates you are attending
- Your vehicle registration
A space is not confirmed until confirmation has been received from Bowls Scotland.
Facilities at the Venue
A selection of food and drink will be available from the on-site catering area. Visitors with allergies or specific dietary requirements should speak directly to the individual vendors.
Visitors may bring their own food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks into the venue. Alcohol cannot be brought into the venue, and only alcohol purchased from the designated bar areas may be consumed on site. Random bag checks may be carried out at the entrance.
A free drinking-water station will be available, and visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.
The retail marquee will be open daily, offering clothing, bowls, accessories and other products.
The Information Tent and First Aid point will be located near the entrance to the main pavilion. Visitors requiring assistance should speak to a member of staff or one of the event volunteers.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.
A venue map showing the entrances, greens, toilets, catering, retail, registration, First Aid and transport drop-off points can be found in the official event programme.
Licensing Arrangements
At the Bowls Scotland National Championships there are a number of opportunities to purchase alcohol. This includes the main bar within the catering marquee, a small bar in front of the central pavilion, and within Northfield Bowling Club beside green B which can be accessed from the main event site.
Please note that as Bowls Scotland and Northfield Bowling Club operate under separate licenses, both organisations must comply with the appropriate legal conditions of the licenses. This includes that no alcohol can be transferred between the two licensed areas. This means that no open drinks containers can be taken between the two outdoor areas.
No alcohol can be brought into the event.
The Bowls Scotland bars will close an hour after play concludes. Northfield BC remains open into the evening (see their Facebook page for full opening times).
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the National Championships in a safe environment. Please drink responsibly. Bowls Scotland will not accept abuse of staff or volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave and re-enter the venue?
Yes. Please keep your wristband on and show it at the entrance when returning.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Visitors can bring their own food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol cannot be brought into the venue.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes. Professional photographers will also be working throughout the Championships and may capture images of players and spectators for Bowls Scotland promotional use.
Where can I find the latest results?
Results will be updated throughout the Championships and published on this page.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
The First Aid point is located at the Information Tent. Please ask a member of staff, official or volunteer for assistance.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on a lead at all times.
Is free drinking water available?
Yes. One free drinking-water station will be available. Visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle.
What should I do if I lose something?
Speak to a volunteer during the event. After the Championships, lost-property enquiries should be sent to info@bowlsscotland.com or made by calling 01292 294623.