Braid BC – Community Club Story
During the 2025 season, Bowls Scotland shared news of a group of Edinburgh Napier Students who had created and produced BOWL, a short film with a LGBTQ+ storyline, based at an Edinburgh bowling club. Since, the students have graduated and the film has received a run of successful screenings at film festivals across the UK and around the world! A special, private screening of the film was held at Braid BC in September for club members, crew and cast members to get together and celebrate the journey so far.
Ivor Yule, Secretary of Braid BC was presented with a framed BOWL film poster on the day, with himself and all the members of the club being thanked for their cooperation and support throughout the filming which took place before the 2025 outdoor season begun. When asked about the short film, and getting to see the club on the big screen, he said:
“When we were approached by the production team for the film project, we were delighted to meet with them to discuss the project and how we might help these students complete their studies. Although it meant opening the green early, very early, we rose to the challenge. A team was organised to help opening and supporting the film project and additional volunteers were called in to act as extras for the filming.
“We are happy to say that the film team acted with respect and accepted the requirement to care for the green. We wish the team all the best in their future careers, hopefully we might see their names crop up from time to time.”
The idyllic setting and picturesque clubhouse at Braid BC has provided more than just the set for the short film this season however, with the club putting on a number of other events for the local community including an incredibly popular art exhibition. Ivor told us more about this event as well as the club’s plans to open their doors to the community over the winter and into next season…
“In March, our clubhouse was transformed into a dedicated gallery space, welcoming over 100 artists from across the region and beyond, and showcasing more than 200 works of art. The exhibition opened with an exclusive private view and continued across four days, attracting a strong flow of visitors. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with significant sales, delighted customers, and artists who were able to share their work with a broad and engaged audience.
“Importantly, the event also showcased the unique setting of our beautiful bowling club, introducing the venue to many first-time visitors. We were delighted that some guests were inspired not only by the art on display, but also came along during the season to try bowls for themselves.
“This successful event was a celebration of creativity, community, and connection & we intend to hold another exhibition from 8 to 12 April 2026. During this time, we intend to hold a ‘Try Bowls’ event spanning over several days. Also, we are pleased to be taking part in Morningside’s Late Night Shopping event this December. With the support of our sponsor Arden, their office will host a pop-up community event featuring local art, a ‘Water into Wine’ raffle, and the opportunity to connect with & promote the bowling club.”
It is great to see these unique ideas and opportunities being taken and turned into successful community engagement opportunities by this BowlsMark Bronze accredited club.
The group of students responsible for BOWL made a donation to the club following the filming to thank them for their hospitality and support which has contributed towards improvements around the green including new markers and equipment. We spoke to Scot ‘Francis’ MacKenzie, the Producer, to discover why it was so important to them to continue the relationship with the club and host a screening allowing the members to watch the short film as well as to find out what is next for BOWL…
"It has been incredibly rewarding and exciting for our team to see the varying ways audiences have connected with BOWL. Our film festival run so far has been an exhilarating adventure, seeing people respond emotionally to Arthur’s story of pride, loss, and resilience has reaffirmed why we made this film in the first place. We are hopeful that our festival run continues at this same momentum and we can continue to share the magic that is BOWL!
“Returning to Braid BC only felt natural, Ivor and the members of the club played such an important role to allow for this film to be made. Whether that was unlocking the doors for us, helping us dress the set or being an extra in the finale of the film. Being able to show all the hard work that went in from their side and ours was very rewarding. We hope to continue our film festival run over the next two years, we are still applying to larger film festivals nationally and globally."
Bowls Scotland have been thrilled to follow the progress of this project so far and are delighted that BOWL is experiencing success at film festivals and showcasing our sport and the community it fosters to a new audience thanks to this young generation of creatives. The film raises awareness of the sport whilst also highlighting some of the challenges that many clubs are currently experiencing in a light-hearted manner.
More information on BOWL can be found via the films’ website and social media accounts https://bowlofficialfilm.wixsite.com/bowlofficialfilm our previous story featuring BOWL and Braid BC can be revisited here.