Focus on Bowls: Thurso BC
Thurso Bowling Club demonstrates the important role local clubs play in strengthening community life
In rural communities across Scotland, bowls clubs are often at the centre of community life. As well as providing opportunities to play sport, they bring people together, foster friendships and create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and connected.
Through targeted support for clubs, coaches and volunteers, Bowls Scotland is helping to secure the future of the sport in rural and remote communities. These initiatives are enabling clubs to grow participation and develop sustainable pathways for long-term success.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by rural communities, including geography, travel and access to training opportunities, Bowls Scotland has invested in initiatives that support local clubs to develop coaches, recruit volunteers and create welcoming environments for new participants.
This approach helps ensure that people can begin their bowls journey close to home and continue to develop their skills within their local community.
From introductory sessions and community taster events to coach education and club accreditation through the BowlsMark programme, Bowls Scotland's development pathway is designed to support lifelong participation in the sport.
Building safer, stronger and more inclusive clubs
Bowls Scotland’s BowlsMark club accreditation scheme is designed to support the creation of safe, effective and welcoming environments for everyone.
BowlsMark provides a nationally recognised standard that helps clubs strengthen their governance, improve participant experiences and ensure members, volunteers and visitors feel valued and supported. The programme also encourages lifelong participation in the sport through well-trained coaches, skilled volunteers and sustainable club development.
For rural clubs, the free BowlsMark accreditation scheme can help to attract and retain members, access external funding opportunities and demonstrate their commitment to good practice within their local communities.
There are Bronze, Silver and Gold levels which clubs can work towards with free support from their National Development Officer. By achieving BowlsMark accreditation, clubs are not only investing in the future of bowls but also strengthening their role as valued community hubs across Scotland.
A club with character: Thurso Bowling Club
In the far north of Scotland, Thurso Bowling Club demonstrates the important role local clubs play in strengthening community life, fostering friendships and ensuring residents have a welcoming place to come together year-round.
Established in 1887, Thurso Bowling Club is the most northerly outdoor bowling club on the British mainland. With more than 160 adult and junior members, it is a thriving and popular club where people of all ages come together through a shared passion for lawn bowls.
The club recently became only the fifth in Scotland to achieve Gold BowlsMark accreditation. Over recent years, Bowls Scotland's Development team has supported Thurso across a range of areas, including governance, coaching, funding and progression through the BowlsMark levels.
Stuart Bell, Bowls Scotland National Development Manager, said:
“Thurso BC are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a club has the drive, commitment and willingness to open its doors. Their progress reflects the hard work of the committee, the support of the membership and a clear ambition to grow the sport within their community.”
He added, “The club's journey also highlights the important role rural clubs play across Scotland. Their commitment and dedication to bowls demonstrate that, regardless of location, clubs can achieve real success when they are proactive, welcoming and focused on long-term development.”
Bowls Scotland recognises and celebrates the efforts of Thurso BC and looks forward to seeing the club continue to grow, develop and inspire other clubs across the country.
Thurso BC Secretary Janet Sinclair is one of the club's longer-serving members. After joining the committee in her second year at the club, she has held almost every committee post and has served as Secretary for the past four years.
Janet Sinclair, Thurso BC Secretary, said:
“I have always been proud to belong to a great club that has played an important part in the Thurso community.
"The Bronze and Silver BowlsMark awards helped us establish the foundations of a safe, welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities. With further work and Stuart Bell's support, we were delighted to become only the fifth club to achieve the BowlsMark Gold Award. Throughout the season, we also welcome visits from high schools, businesses and youth groups, while hosting open days, competitions and charity events.”
Linda Mackay joined Thurso BC with her daughter in 2025 after retiring and finding she had more time to enjoy the game.
Linda said, “We chose Thurso Bowling Club because my son had been a member for 14 years and spoke so highly of it. From our first weeks, we were made very welcome and the members were supportive and helpful. Coaching was available, we were encouraged to join social games and competitions, and the club has given us new friends, regular activities and a way to keep fit.”
Jackie Swanson, one of Thurso BC's longest-serving members, joined the club in the 1970s and has witnessed significant changes during that time.
Jackie said, “When I joined, prospective members had to be recommended by two existing members and approved by the committee. Women were not full members and juniors had to be at least 15 years old. Now there are no barriers to becoming a member: everyone is equal, juniors are welcomed from the age of five and it is a club for everyone in the community to enjoy, regardless of age or ability.”
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