Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week - Megan Sproat Q&A

To celebrate Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2025, we are profiling Megan Sproat from Ladeside of Kilbirnie Bowling Club as an inspirational female we are fortunate to have involved in bowls.

Megan began bowling at the age of 11 after being encouraged to take up the sport by her family. Her dedication and commitment ensured she continued to progress as one of the most talented young female players in Ayrshire.

Despite already gaining caps for Scotland at under 18 and under 25 international level, Megan has made her major breakthrough in the sport over the last 12 months. In 2024, Megan became one of the youngest ever winners of the Bowls Scotland Ladies Junior Singles title at just 19-years-old.

The 2025 season has continued to see Megan grow from strength to strength, making her senior Scotland international debut at the British Bowls Internationals in June. She was also one of the star performers at this year’s National Championships, qualifying in the Ladies Junior Singles, Ladies Singles and Mixed Pairs with her older brother John.

Cementing her position as one of the nations top young players, Megan impressively reached the Bowls Scotland Ladies Singles after victories over May Martin, Seona Black, Abbie Harris and Linda Fleming respectively. In the final, she was narrowly beaten 21-17 by Dumbarton’s Emma MacLeod in a brilliant contest which was live streamed to thousands of viewers on the BBC Sport website.

We spoke to Megan to find out more about her bowls journey. Read the full Q&A below:

Q1. When and how did your bowls journey begin?

MS: “My dad used to take me down to the club after school. I’d go out and play in my sand shoes and played with carpet bowls

“I didn’t start properly playing until I was 11 and my dad and brother coached me to get me to where I am today.”

Q2. What’s your favourite thing about bowls?

MS: “I would say my favourite thing is the people you meet and the friends you make over the years from all over of all ages and also the banter.”

Q3. Are there any females you look up to in the sport?

MS: “There are lots of people I look up to in our sport, but I have always admired Caroline Brown for her achievements and attitude towards the game.

“It was a privilege to play with her this year in my first women’s international series as you can never play a bad bowl with her. She is definitely a great role model for our sport.”

Q4. How did it feel to win the 2024 Bowls Scotland Ladies Junior Singles title and come runner-up in the Ladies Singles in 2025?

MS: “To win the Ladies U25 Singles last year was absolutely amazing. I never would have imagined winning it if you had told me that at the start of the week and getting to play in the British Bowls Championships was a great experience.

“Getting to the final of the Ladies Singles this year was a dream and a brilliant experience. I never thought I would have been playing in the final at 20, I have learned a lot from it and it has grown my confidence more.”

Q5. What does the sport need to do more of to encourage young women like yourself to participate?

MS: “My idea would be to have some of the High Performance teams or established players going into visit schools and share their experiences. Also, having international players come to the Try Bowls days at local clubs.

“In general, I just think have a go and see if you like it.”

Q6. Do you have any ambitions that you would like to achieve in the future?

MS: “I am very ambitious for the future. I would love to keep representing Scotland at the highest level and travel around the world doing it.

“The ultimate dream would be to make it to Potters one day to play in the World Championships.”

A huge thanks to Megan for taking time out of her busy schedule to share more details about her bowls journey. Over 13,000 women and girls currently participate in bowls throughout Scotland, if you are keen to get involved find your nearest club here: https://www.bowlsscotland.com/club-finder