WELCOME TO
Lanark Thistle
Bowling Club
Est. 1760
WELCOME TO
Lanark Thistle
Bowling Club
Est. 1760
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WELCOME
Bowls is the 4th most popular sport in Scotland with around 75,000 players and 900 clubs. The National team competes in international competition including the Commonwealth Games. This provides the Community with the opportunity to enjoy the sport and to develop individual skills in competitive and recreational bowls.
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OUR CLUB
Lanark Thistle Bowling club is one of the oldest bowling clubs in the UK. Situated on the former site of Lanark Castle, right in the very heart of the town of Lanark. Our club was formed in 1760 and continues the tradition of bringing the community together to this day. Our club is an affiliate member of Bowls Scotland
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OUR MEMBERS
Our members compete in regular club and regional events, both competitive and non-competitive. We have a diverse range of ages and abilities within the club, with some players representing us at regional and National level. Our club welcomes new playing members of all ages and abilities.
ABOUT OUR CLUB
Lanark Thistle bowling club was formed in 1760 and celebrated our 250th anniversary in 2010, making us one of the longest established bowling clubs in the UK.
We have our own club house with viewing area, bar and function room. We also have our own separate changing facility and locker room building adjacent to the green.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive club and have a broadly even representation of gender and diverse membership age. We have around 100 members who play regularly in club and regional competitions.
Our club represents more than just bowling to our members and the surrounding community, we host many social functions, self-catered events and entertainments at our licenced clubhouse. Our club house is regularly used by the community as a venue for gatherings and celebrations.
CHARITY STATUS
Lanark Thistle Bowling Club were awarded charity status on 18th March 2024 and have ambitious plans to modernise our facilities to ensure the continuation of our club for generations to come.
Our board of Trustees are;
Richard Bell – Chair
Stewart Campbell – Vice Chair
Brenda Parker
Janet Jamieson
Sam Smith
our location
Originally the site of a Roman fort, Lanark Castle was built on top of a natural mound in the 12th century and the town of Lanark formed itself around the outside of the original wooden fortification. The castle was regularly used as the King's residence during the medieval period, David I (1124-1153), William the Lion (1165-1214).
The castle was used as a court for the Scottish Parliament which met here in 1293 -1295.
Lanark Castle was occupied under English Kings Edward I and Edward II before being claimed back in the wars of independence.
Lanark resident William Wallace sparked off the Wars of Independence in 1297 after killing the English sheriff William Heselrig who he claimed had previously murdered his wife.
Robert the Bruce was made the Sheriff of Lanark in 1303. He eventually destroyed the castle after it had been retaken from the English in 1310 as part of his policy to prevent strongholds being used by the enemy.
The mound was used for military drills and grazing until the 18th century when it was reduced in height and in 1760 a bowling green was established.
The site is now a scheduled monument with Historic Environment Scotland
Castle Hill,site of Lanark Castle (SM2612) (historicenvironment.scot)
The site is marked with a stone mounted plaque adjacent to our bowling green and will forever be a site of enormous importance in Scottish history.
Lanark Castle Historical Marker (hmdb.org)
Formerly site of Lanark Castle
GALLERY
BECOME A MEMBER
Our playing members compete in regular club and regional events. We have a diverse range of ages and abilities within the club, with some players representing us at regional and National level.
Our club welcomes new members, beginners, experienced players and young people.
We offer coach led, fun taster sessions and free inductions to anyone who is interested, please contact us to arrange your first go!
Our club also has a large number of Social Members, who share the atmosphere and have full access to our functions and non-bowling facilities.
coaching
We are in the process of developing a team of coaches, trained and accredited by Bowls Scotland.
Visit: Home | Bowls Scotland 2024
We will offer free coaching sessions and mentorship to all playing members, our goal is that all players have access to a pathway for improvement and enjoyment.
supporters
Lanark Thistle Bowling Club wishes to recognise the support provided on our journey by our local community.
The following organisations have helped us greatly and continue to support our development:
friends
The following community organisations are closely associated with our club, we continue to offer our support to each of them:
Scottish Autism
Lanark Scottish Country dancing group
Clydesdale pool and darts league
Harry Smith Complex
Lanark United Football Club
Lanark & District Round Table
Lanark Lord Cornets
South Lanarkshire Council - parks and recreation
Shining Bright Window Cleaning
J.T. McFarlane Catering
Horse & Jockey Lanark
support US
Lanark Thistle Bowling Club is a community charity and relies on our own fund raising, grant and community funding, sponsorship, and donations from the wider community.
If you would like to support us on our journey, please consider giving in one of the following ways:
Club1760
Join our monthly club lottery draw and contribute monthly to our club funds
Lanark Thistle Bowling Club - Enter our prize draw to help us raise funds! (ourclublotto.co.uk)
Entry is open to anyone and the more players there are, the greater the prize!!
Sponsorship
If you would like to donate to our charity, or to get involved with sponsoring an event at our club, please get in touch via our contact form.
facilities & functions
We regularly hold functions for members and non members, hosting musical, comedy, bingo and race nights.
We organise many community events, for example a kids Halloween day, local charity fundraising events. Our facilities are also used regularly by various local community groups, including Scottish Autism, pool and darts leagues, and even Scottish Country dancing.
Our dance floor was formerly the dance floor at Lanark Palais, a popular dance hall which was adjacent to Lanark Loch.
Our function room can be booked by the community for parties, celebrations, wakes and gatherings using the enquiry form below.
Our facilities are licenced to hold up to 100 people, has a large dance floor, plenty of seating and a fully licensed bar.
Contact us
Lanark Thistle Bowling Club
109 Castlegate
Lanark ML11 9EF