Mary Wilson Q&A

Scotland Para International and Veteran Mary Wilson has been around the bowling green all her life with sport becoming a cornerstone of her life; fostering friendships and reinforcing her values of inclusivity and teamwork. Despite challenges from Secondary Progressive MS and cancer recovery, a passion for sport, and Bowls, drives her resilience. As an Ambassador for Bowls Scotland and Erskine Veterans Charity’s partnership, Mary understands and recognises the importance of the camaraderie that can be found within sport, especially for those transitioning from military life.

We spoke to Mary to find out about how her global Bowls friendships have aided recovery from a shoulder replacement on a trip to Australia at the start of the year, her involvement with Erskine and her goals for 2025 and beyond...

Q: What does bowls mean to you in terms of forming friendships?

“I first set foot on a bowling green with my dad when I was 8 years old. Both my parents were avid bowlers and I used to love watching them play. However, swimming, tennis, badminton and then later on the army were my loves and I didn’t really start bowling till I was 56 years old.

“Moving on from there, and having been part of the Para squad for 3 years now, I believe I have made good friends and continue to do so. There are members of the squad I don’t really know as well as new members joining, but if we are playing together against an opposition we are as “one” which includes encouragement, instruction and banter when needed.

“I have also just changed clubs in Edinburgh and am now a member of the Dudley BC. I love their energy and fun attitude. But don’t get me wrong, they are very competitive too.

“Team overall cohesiveness, sharing personal experiences and personal challenges can give a deeper connection to each other and help maintain and grow friendships.”

Q: Explain how bowls is supporting your recovery from your recent operation and how have you adapted your training during rehab?

“In October 2024 I had a total right shoulder replacement. This was due to an injury I got when I was in the army and just “getting old” due to having Secondary Progressive MS and still recovering from cancer it has been more of a challenge than if I had been a fit and healthy human being. I have a daily exercise routine which I do 3 times a day, part of which is pushing my arm back as far as it can go until the pain is too much. The carrot on the stick to make me do this is getting back to being able to play bowls with as much movement in my shoulder as possible. The competitive and stubborn streak which lies within me and my love for the sport is a catalyst for my optimum recovery. My MS is changing and progressing slowly with new symptoms unfortunately affecting me. However, I won’t let it beat me so it can “jog on”.

“In February I travelled to Australia to visit family and was invited by 5 lawn bowls clubs on the East Coast to join them and play bowls with the locals. This included one of the clubs that an Ozzie para bowler plays at, it’s fantastic to have made contacts and friendships across the world through sport! I thought it would be a good idea to take my bowls and play when I could for some practice and as part of the rehab following my total shoulder replacement.”

Q: What importance do you place on bowls being inclusive to people with disabilities?

“I think bowls is the most inclusive sport around. Whether you are physically disabled, visually impaired, Deaf or have Learning Difficulties this is a sport everybody can play AND have fun!

“In the military we have an unwritten rule. It’s like a buddy buddy system where everybody looks out for everybody else. That is the unique team ethos which is engrained in Service personnel, no matter if you have served on Operational deployments or not. This is taken as a “Given”.

“When we are discharged from the military, especially if Medically Discharged it is easy to lose all your identity and this can spiral downward into a black hole. I speak from experience here. As a mental health specialist, I have seen this happen countless times and having a unique community to make bonds with, get your self-confidence and self-esteem back and work together as a team again is worth its weight in gold. There is no “I” in Team!”

What does it mean to be an Ambassador for Erskine Veterans Charity?

“The bonds that I made in the army are irreplaceable. Creating memories which I can talk about in future years, transfers over to improved performance. I am proud to be in the position to raise awareness of Veterans and believe I can inspire and motivate others to be the best they can be. Being an Ambassador for Erskine involves utmost integrity, high morals and values, and standing up for people who sometimes cannot stand up for themselves. I am totally committed to be the best role model I can be and after being discharged with an Exemplary Statement of Service and Distinguished 20-year military career nothing has changed in that respect.

“Being able to relate to another Veteran and “talk the talk” in military jargon breaks down barriers. I have found that it helps cement relationships and instils a silent understanding and respect with each other. There is an extra special “something” when 2 veterans meet each other. It's almost like an invisible firm handshake with no judgements or distrust.”

Do you or your Club have any plans for the 2025 season that you are looking forward to?

“I am looking forward to continuing in my coaching role at my new club Dudley as I am now a qualified Level 2 Coach. The ladies I coach are keen as mustard to learn and are such good fun to have on the green! We have also just joined the Forth League and will play against 10 other clubs in the Edinburgh area. This will be an exciting challenge for them but one I am sure they will enjoy.

“I am also now a qualified Technical Assessor for Bowls Scotland and this new “string to my bow” enables me to assist in assessing players with a disability with some progressing to a formal classification and thus being able to play in Para status competitions.

“As for me, my individual goal is to continue to play and gain as much experience as possible, and hopefully be good enough to be included in the Scotland Para Team this year. The Para Podium events and Open events are really starting to gain momentum this year due to the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow in 2026. I have entered the Erskine European Open Pairs with Pauline Wilson, who is a good friend and also a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, to take on the Mainstream able-bodied pairings from all over Europe which will be a big challenge. Then of course we have the BIG one in Glasgow in 2026 which is my ultimate goal.”

We wish Mary all the best for her continued recovery and the upcoming 2025 bowling season and thank her for sharing her story which demonstrates the community spirit within bowling. Like Mary, Erskine Veterans Charity also understand the importance of camaraderie in the lives of those who have served. This shared bond, built through experiences only fellow Veterans can truly understand, is what brings their community together. Bowling, much like military life, fosters teamwork, resilience, and mutual support—values that remain deeply ingrained in those who have served. It is also one of the most inclusive sports, welcoming everyone regardless of disability.

Through the newly opened Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVACN) hub in Forres, Erskine's team are witnessing firsthand the power of connection. By providing Veterans with a space to rebuild friendships and rekindle a sense of belonging, Erskine can help those who may need direction. Sport too has the ability to transform lives, and individuals like Mary Wilson exemplify how shared experiences, encouragement, and purpose can offer both physical and emotional support. Whether on the green or within the Veteran community, the bonds formed through camaraderie are what keep us moving forward—together. Read more about EVACN on Erskine's website by clicking here.