Four new appointments strengthen Bowls Scotland Board
The Bowls Scotland Board are delighted to announce the appointment of four new voluntary Non-Executive Directors as they continue to oversee the organisation to support the development of the game.
Following an extensive open recruitment process, Gary Hinks, Pauline Cowan, John Egan, and Chris Mackay have been co-opted to the Board and will join their first Board meeting on Saturday 3rd October.
Welcoming the new Board members, Bowls Scotland Chair, Gary Grant said:
“We were delighted by the extremely high calibre of individuals who expressed an interest in joining the Board. In Gary, Pauline, John and Chris, we have appointed four exceptional individuals with impressive CVs. In our interviews, their passion and commitment for strengthening bowls in Scotland shone through. Each will bring their own perspectives, personal and professional strengths which will add great value to the Board discussions. This is an exciting time for Bowls Scotland as we refresh our strategy to ensure that we are best serving the game, and it is important that we have a strong Board in place leading the organisation.”
The four bring a mix of involvement in bowls and senior professional experience to the Board. Between them, they directly address the skills that were identified as priorities when advertising for volunteers: income generation (sponsorship, fundraising); marketing and communications; digital transformation to support internal operations and external engagement and member services; and legal.
- Gary Hinks is a member of Dunning BC and Secretary of the Perthshire Bowling Association. Gary is member of Scotland’s Para Squad and has been selected to represent Scotland in the Para Test Match against Ireland later this month. Gary is currently a consultant providing specialist advice to a portfolio of clients. He has previously held senior roles with Castle Water, SSE and Thames Petroleum. Gary will add commercial and income generation experience to the Board.
- Pauline Cowan is Treasurer of East Calder BC. Pauline is Propositions and Engagement Manager for NatWest Business Banking following successful roles with the bank in strategy and innovation. Pauline will bring her extensive expertise in strategy delivery, customer engagement, collaboration and innovation to the Board.
- John Egan is a social member of Belvidere BC. John has recently joined the Scottish Legal Aid Board as Communications and Public Affairs Manager, having previously worked for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and sportscotland, as well as senior communications positions in the wider public and third sector. John will add senior communications experience to the Board, along with a wide knowledge of major events and the sport sector.
- Chris Mackay is Treasurer of Newtonmore BC. Christopher is a senior Scottish solicitor and experienced non-executive director with over 35 years’ legal and governance experience. He is currently a Legal Consultant for Burness Paull and holds a variety of Non-Exec Director and voluntary roles. The Board will benefit from Chris’s legal expertise as well as his experience in disciplinary processes, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
The new Directors join current Board members Gary Grant (Chair), Henry Robertson (Finance Director), Nicola Wilson, Michael Cavanagh and Gavin Smith. Board members are volunteers who do not receive a salary for their role.
Co-opted Board members are appointed subject to the requirements of the Bowls Scotland Articles of Association and are appointed until the second AGM (i.e. 2027 AGM) following their appointment, at which time a ballot can be held to allow them to serve a full four-year term (i.e. until 2030 AGM).