2024 Presidents Message
I am delighted and honoured to be the elected President of Bowls Scotland for 2024. I regard it as a privilege to be the choice of the member clubs to have such a prestigious role bestowed upon me and will endeavour to carry out my duties to the very best of my ability.
Firstly, I would like to thank my own club, West End Perth Bowling Club, in supporting me throughout my tenure as District 6 Ladies Co-Ordinator for Bowls Scotland. I would like to thank the outgoing past Presidents, Marella O’Neil and Ron McArthur, for their commitment and total dedication during their time in office and in particular their presidency.
As this is the first year that Bowls Scotland has moved to a modern single presidency structure, I have the utmost commitment to the position and wish to offer my support to Vice President, Andy Meekison, and Junior Vice President, Mary Watt.
Bowls Scotland is working hard to raise the profile of bowling throughout Scotland. The partnership working of staff and volunteers with the member clubs has brought about many inspirational changes. I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all Bowls Scotland staff, particularly National Development Officer’s Stuart Bell, Holly Hamilton and Alan McDonald, who are equipped to help clubs in so many ways including Try Bowls, BowlsMark and support with funding applications. I encourage all clubs to make good use of this valuable resource and abundance of knowledge they each hold.
The National Volunteer Awards scheme has been a massive success and is continuing to highlight those individuals who work tirelessly for their respective clubs. Long may this initiative continue. I am delighted to be involved in the selection process and look forward to meeting and presenting nominated individuals with their awards in the forthcoming year.
As President, I certainly have an exciting year ahead. The National Championships are always a great attraction for clubs and offers the occasion for members of clubs to have the opportunity to become national champions.
Besides the National Championships, there are many more competitions organised for the forthcoming year. Events such as the Ladies and Gents National Top 10 competitions, the newly established Podium Open events, European Open Pairs, British Isles Internationals and British Isles Championships at Royal Leamington Spa as well as both the U18 and U25 Internationals taking place at Belmont in Belfast. I wish everyone taking part in these events my best wishes and I’ll be supporting you all the way.
Bowling is an inclusive sport offering a range of opportunities to all, from gentle exercise and social interaction to highly competitive games. No matter the level you play at in our wonderful sport, I wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and successful year.
Frances Sandilands – 2024 Bowls Scotland President
