National Volunteer Award Profile – Scott Wilson
The latest winner of the Bowls Scotland National Volunteer Awards is Scott Wilson from Westermains Bowling Club, who has been recognised for his outstanding commitment, leadership and dedication to helping the club thrive both on and off the green.
Scott has been a crucial part of Westermains BC for many years, contributing across a number of important roles including Treasurer, Green Convenor, Umpire, joint Gents Match Secretary, bar volunteer and regular playing member. His contribution has helped guide the club through some of its most challenging times and into a much stronger position for the future.
Scott first got involved in bowls at a young age, starting out at Kirkintilloch Bowling Club when he was just 11 years old. After taking a couple of years away from the sport while at college and starting work, he later returned to bowls and joined Westermains BC, where he already had friends at the club.
Reflecting on what has kept him involved at Westermains, Scott said: “What’s kept me there are the other members who I now call my friends.”
That sense of friendship and club spirit has been at the heart of Scott’s volunteering. While he is quick to recognise the wider team of volunteers at Westermains, his own weekly contribution covers a wide range of responsibilities.
“We have a great team of volunteers at the club but a typical week will have me cutting the green at least once, keeping on top of the bills, the odd shift behind the bar, all whilst out representing the club in various competitions.”
Scott was nominated by Andrew Byron, who highlighted just how much he has done to support Westermains BC over the years. Andrew described Scott as a crucial part of the running of the club, saying it is fair to say that without his contribution, the club may no longer exist.
As well as carrying out his current roles, Andrew noted that Scott has previously supported the club as Bar Convenor, helped bring in a four-figure sponsorship during 2025, continues to work behind the bar, and still represents the club several times a week in various competitions.
Andrew said: “His contribution is recognised by the Committee and members, with him regularly being thanked for his outstanding contributions. He does all of this, for no recompense, while working full-time.”
For Scott, the decision to step up came during a difficult period for the club. Like many clubs across Scotland, Westermains saw membership numbers fall during the Covid years, and with several long-serving volunteers getting older and no longer able to continue in the same capacity, Scott felt it was important to help.
“During Covid years our membership was dwindling like many other clubs across the country. Having been a member for over 20 years I knew the commitment that other members had given the club in their various roles, but with them ageing they were no longer able to continue in the same capacity. Because of this I offered to step in and help steer the club to its next chapter.”
That willingness to step forward has made a significant difference. Andrew explained that Scott has helped Westermains through some of the toughest times in its 173-year history, doing so with a positive attitude that has encouraged other members to get involved and support the club.
Andrew said: “Scott has not only helped the club survive through some of its toughest times in its 173-year history, but he has done it with a willing attitude which has encouraged other members to step up and help, ultimately leading to the club being in a much better position than we could have hoped for just a few seasons ago.”
When asked what he is most proud of from his time volunteering at Westermains BC, Scott pointed to the remarkable progress the club has made in recent years.
“I am most proud of where we have got the club to in the last two years. We have gone from under 30 members with talks of closing our doors to now over 80 members and thriving again. I can’t take all the credit for that as there is a fabulous committee and other members who have contributed to this.”
Andrew also spoke about the importance of volunteers to the wider bowls community, particularly at local clubs where so much of the work happens quietly behind the scenes.
“As with many sports clubs that are run locally across Scotland, these only stay viable with the dedication of volunteers. A lot of the work goes unseen throughout the year, but it is known by those who are members of a small club just how important volunteers are to not just keep the club running but thriving.”
Scott was presented with his National Volunteer Award at Westermains BC’s opening day, a moment that came as a complete surprise.
“I was overwhelmed when I was presented with the award at our opening day. I had no idea about being given the award, although I knew I had been nominated.”
After seeing the difference volunteering has made at Westermains, Scott had a clear message for anyone thinking about giving their time to their local club.
“What I would say to anyone else thinking about volunteering at their club is go for it. There is no better feeling than seeing your hard work paying off.”
Scott’s story is a fantastic example of the difference dedicated volunteers can make to the future of a club. Through his leadership, hard work and willingness to help wherever needed, he has played a major role in helping Westermains BC move from a challenging period to a thriving and growing club once again.
Huge congratulations to Scott on behalf of everyone at Bowls Scotland for receiving this thoroughly deserved National Volunteer Award.