Lossiemouth Bowling Club was hit hard by Covid-19 but strong recovery doubles membership with Commonwealth Games themed events planned for a busy 2026
A bowling club which was crippled by the pandemic is thriving again after more than doubling its number of members.
Lossiemouth Bowling Club has had its home close to the Moray Firth coast for almost 150 years, but hit hard times during the Covid-19 outbreak.
But a rallying effort led by club president Alan Smith has not just safeguarded the club’s future, but has created a vibrant sporting hub in its coastal community.
Membership dropped below 50, making it more difficult for Lossie BC to keep operating but a great deal of work carried out in the last two years in particular has paid off handsomely.
The Try Bowls-registered outfit has enjoyed a surge in numbers, forged community links and organised a series of events to engage members.
Club finances have been transformed over a short space of time, and bowls are supported all year round with the club hosting six outdoor rinks and two indoor short carpets.
Smith first joined his local bowling club in 1998 when membership was close to 100, but the pandemic caused a slide in numbers.
“When I became president in November 2023, the club was in a precarious position with fewer than 50 members,” he said.
“We were operating hand to mouth with no reserves, running at a small loss, and maintaining excellent facilities with too few members.
“Rebuilding numbers was essential for the club’s survival.”
“The first step was ensuring I had the right people on the committee, those with the skillsets and motivation to make a difference. From there, our focus was on community engagement.”
The president revealed how his club held an annual open day at a local bar but never made a follow-up to recruit as members those who attended.
“In 2024, knowing it was the pub’s last year before closure, we offered a 75 per cent discount on first-year membership and signed up nearly 30 new members in a single day.”
Further community bonds were forged when the Lossiemouth Business Association held a meeting at the bowling clubhouse, and the club staged a special Try Bowls session for LBA members, gaining 20 more new members
Weekly Try Bowling sessions landed another 30 fresh faces as members, while the club brought the curtain down on its outdoor season with a Pro-Am pairs competition pitting 24 newcomers and the same number of experienced bowlers together in a friendly format.
“As a result, we now have 126 members (including social members), with over 100 players active in matches and competitions during the 2025 season,” Smith said. “This growth has also transformed the club’s finances, giving us the resources to reinvest in our facilities.”
“Membership has rebounded, finances are stable and the club is buzzing with activity.
“Tuesdays are now the liveliest night of the week and there’s a genuine mix of energy, friendship and competition across the membership.”
Next year sees Glasgow host the Commonwealth Games, with bowls being one of just 10 sports contested in the summer spectacular.
Lossiemouth Bowling Club plans to host themed events and social activities around the Glasgow Games.
Smith added: “We’re even considering organising a trip for members to attend the Games, giving some of our new players the chance to see bowls at the very highest level.”