Scotscraig Bowling Club, located in Dougall Street, Tayport, is a historic and community-driven lawn bowls club. With a rich history dating back to the 1920s, the club has provided a welcoming space for bowlers of all levels and ages to enjoy the sport.
Although the exact details of the club's establishment in 1924 remain unknown, there are a couple of trophies from the early years that still exist. The Black trophy, presented in 1926, and the Tough trophy, presented in 1929, showcase the club's early dedication to competitive play. The Tough trophy was first won by the skilled rink of W Norrie, J Pearson, R Wedderspoon, and skip J Laidlaw. Interestingly, W Norrie also played a pivotal role in the team that won the trophy in 1974, now accompanied by G Welsh, G Ewart, and M Fitchet (jnr).
While some trophies have been lost due to a mishap at a trophy shop, the club still plays for the newer shield.
In the early days, despite transportation challenges, the club organised internal competitions and friendly matches with neighbouring clubs. Members relied on trains and ferries to travel, from Tayport to Broughty Ferry and eventually to Dundee. With minimal written records available and only a handful of founder members remaining, the memories and stories of this era have been passed down through their families.
The original pavilion, a wooden structure with running water, lacked electric lights, using gas lighting instead. Managed primarily by Tayport Town Council, the pavilion went through significant changes in the mid-1970s when the club decided to take more control. After renting the green and pavilion from the Council, the committee obtained a grant of 3000 from the local Gregory Trust and fundraised to build an extension. Over time, further alterations were made, resulting in the current shape and facilities of the club.
In terms of green maintenance, from the mid-1970s, the club took over from the Council and appointed George Walker, a former Council employee, as the greenkeeper. With the assistance of other members, the club ensured that the green and its surroundings looked impeccable. Scotscraig Bowling Club was also one of the first clubs in the area to instal an automatic watering system and artificial bankings around the green. Additionally, the club went through a lengthy planning process to successfully instal floodlights in 1989, allowing bowling to continue in the evenings.
Over the years, Scotscraig Bowling Club has been an active participant in various bowling associations, including the Scottish Bowling Association, Fife Bowling Association, North of Fife Bowling Association, and the Tayside League, which the club co-founded with Wormit and Newport bowling clubs. Today, the Tayside League boasts 12 teams competing against each other.
The club has always been committed to equality, with a decision made in the 1990s to ensure all members pay the same level of fees, apart from junior members. This inclusive approach extends to the club's committee, which became fully integrated, and in 2009, Susan McIntosh made history by becoming the first female President of the Club.
Recognising that the club is not just for bowlers, but also for the community, Scotscraig Bowling Club introduced a “social membership fee” that allows non-bowlers to join and enjoy games while supporting the club's fundraising activities. This inclusive atmosphere has contributed to the club's success and longstanding presence in the Tayport community.
Whether you're an experienced bowler or new to the sport, Scotscraig Bowling Club provides a warm and friendly environment for all. With its rich history and commitment to inclusivity, the club continues to thrive and welcomes individuals who share a passion for lawn bowls.