Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week: Sarah-Jane Ewing

From the chemistry laboratory to the Commonwealth Games podium, Sarah-Jane Ewing knows the value of teamwork, determination and having people who believe in you.

At Glasgow 2026, Sarah-Jane won gold as a director in Scotland’s B2–B3 Mixed Pairs team alongside Robert Barr, Mary Stevenson and Jim Aitken. Sharing that success on home soil created memories she will treasure forever.

To mark Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, Sarah-Jane reflects on that achievement, pays tribute to Mary and the women who helped shape her journey, and discusses how bowls can create more opportunities for women and girls.

What did winning Commonwealth Games gold in front of a home crowd mean to you, and what moment has stayed with you most?

“To represent Scotland is a huge honour, but to do it on home soil, surrounded by family and friends who had supported us throughout the Games, made it incredibly special. Winning Commonwealth Games gold in front of a home crowd is something I will never forget.

“Every game felt like a medal match. There was a real sense that everyone was behind us. You could feel the support from the crowd, and that gave us an extra lift exactly when we needed it.

“Stepping onto the podium with Robert, Mary and Jim was an extremely proud and cherished moment, knowing that all the hard work, preparation and sacrifices had come together and that we had done it for our families, friends and Scotland. Singing the national anthem with a home crowd and sharing that moment with my teammates is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.

“I lost my mum, one of my biggest supporters, last year, and my thoughts were with her on the podium too, knowing how proud she would have been of all of us.”

What was it like sharing Commonwealth Games gold with Mary Stevenson, and what do you hope other women and girls can take from her story?

“Mary was an absolute superstar at the Games. She worked hard and enjoyed every moment of her experience. I am incredibly proud that I got to compete with Mary and share that experience of winning a gold medal together.

“I am extremely grateful I got to play a small part in Mary’s story, and I am even more grateful that Mary is part of mine. I will treasure the time we got to share on and off the green together. We made so many memories. Competing with someone and being part of a team always creates a bond like family, but achieving what we did over the summer makes that even more special.

“I am so proud of Mary and her achievements, and I am devastated she passed away suddenly in September. Para bowls and her teammates meant everything to Mary. Bowls was not just about competition; it was friendship and family too. The whole squad miss Mary, and she will always be there in spirit as the team competes in her memory.

“Mary brought everything to the sport. Selection for the Games was always an ambition for Mary when she started losing her sight. She had a wonderful spirit, and the determination she brought was impossible not to admire.

“I think Mary’s story shows women and girls should never put a limit on what they believe they can achieve. Mary is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, but what made her special was so much more than a medal. She showed incredible determination, resilience and belief in herself. Losing her sight did not define her or stop her achieving her goals. She proved that disability should never define what you can aspire to, and that with hard work, perseverance and the right support, you can reach the highest level.

“I hope women and girls can look at Mary’s journey and see that there is a place for them in sport, whatever their background, circumstances and ability. They can be ambitious, competitive and proud of their achievements, and never be afraid to take their place.

“The biggest lesson they can take from Mary is to believe in yourself, keep going when things get difficult and never underestimate what you can achieve. Her legacy isn’t just her medal; it’s the inspiration she leaves with the people who knew her and the women and girls who look to her story and think, ‘If Mary can do it, maybe I can too.’”

Your background is in chemistry, including a doctorate. Are there skills from science that help you on the green, or things sport has taught you that you use professionally?

“I studied for a master’s degree and PhD in Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, a subject I love. I always wanted to be a scientist since I was in school, so my studies have got me to where I want to be.

“Chemistry was never my best subject at school. I found it quite difficult; however, I loved experimenting, the research it involved, and I liked to challenge myself.

“Many skills transfer between chemistry and bowls. Chemistry teaches you to analyse technical information, solve problems and think critically. On the green, you use those skills to assess conditions, plan your next shot and adapt your approach.

“Experience competing on the green has been valuable in my role as a chemist. It has given me confidence, teaching me to handle pressure, communicate and value teamwork.”

You previously credited Mima Robertson and Elsie Wilton with helping build your confidence as a junior. What did they do that made such a lasting difference?

“Mima and Elsie led the junior sections at Abbeyview and Headwell Bowling Clubs respectively when I was learning to play. They were strong women who believed in me and encouraged me to go further when few girls were involved.

“Their support and the opportunities they offered helped me feel I belonged on the green. I still credit them with helping me achieve what I have. They were mentors and role models for me and many other juniors.

“They looked beyond wins and losses, showing me that I had something to offer and helping me trust my ability. I’m grateful for the lasting, positive influence they have had on my bowling career.”

Through your experiences as both a player and a director, what could bowls clubs do better to help more women and girls feel welcome and get involved?

“I think the biggest thing is making sure women and girls feel that there is a genuine place for them within the club. Making sure women feel included, support each other, have opportunities to develop skills and have their voices heard when decisions are being made.

“It is incredibly important to have a supportive, safe environment where women are treated as equals both on and off the green.

“We also need to make bowls visible to women and girls. They need to see people like themselves playing the sport and understand that there are opportunities to progress as far as they want to. When women lift each other up, incredible things can happen.”

Why do you think Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week is important?

“I think it’s important because it gives us an opportunity to celebrate women and girls in sport, but also to have honest conversations about participation, opportunity and visibility.

“Sport can give women and girls so much: confidence, friendships, resilience, leadership skills and a real sense of belonging. But they need to see that there is a pathway for them and that their contribution is valued.

“For me, it’s also about recognising the women who have helped us along the way. I’ve been fortunate to have people who believed in me and helped build my confidence, and I think we all have a responsibility to do the same for the next generation.”

Thank you to Sarah-Jane for sharing her experiences and memories, and for highlighting the difference that encouragement, opportunity and belonging can make.

If you would like to give bowls a go, visit the Club Finder on the Bowls Scotland website to find a club near you.