Frazer & Jamie Leigh's Story

More Than a Game: How Inclusive Bowls Is Changing Lives

Bowls is often seen as a simple sport. But for a growing community of people with disabilities, it has become a lifeline - building confidence, creating friendships, and opening doors to opportunities far beyond the green.

Blackford bowling club coach, Fiona Taylor’s love for bowls began at a young age. As time went on, that love grew into a desire to give something back to the sport that had given her so much. When she realised there was very little available in her area for people with disabilities to take part in bowls, she knew something had to change.

She began coaching bowls a few years ago and was soon introduced to disability lawn bowls. From that moment, she never looked back. With the support and guidance of Ron McArthur from Forth Valley, Fiona’s confidence as a coach flourished. Ron played a crucial role in her development, helping her find and support athletes with learning disabilities - athletes who would go on to form a team and proudly represent Scotland.

Driven by the belief that bowls should be open to everyone, Fiona teamed up with Graeme Doig from Perth & Kinross Disability Sport to organise a disability bowls competition at Blackford Bowling Club. Their vision was clear: create a space where people with different disabilities could come together, feel welcome, and enjoy the sport - regardless of ability. What began as a small idea quickly grew into something special, with more people coming together to play bowls, support one another, and simply enjoy being part of a community.

Graeme told us “From the moment I met Fiona and the team at a Blackford Bowling back in 2018, I knew from their warmth and caring approach that we could create something special together. From our first Lawn Bowls championships that attracted 19 bowlers to an event that now regularly draws in over 70 bowlers to test themselves against their peers that we now deliver over two days. We care about the bowlers and take a person-centred approach to ensuring everyone is looked after and has fun in a competitive environment”

One athlete who has felt the impact deeply is Jamie-Leigh Lutton.

Jamie-Leigh has a disability that makes it difficult for him to take in large amounts of information at once, and it can also affect his confidence. Bowls has made a powerful difference in his life. It is something he genuinely enjoys, and it gives him the opportunity to meet new people and feel part of a team.

His proudest moment so far came when he represented Scotland in the Munro Cup alongside his teammates—an achievement that reflects both his progress and determination.

When asked about lies ahead in the sport, Jamie-Leigh said:

“My ambitions are to play for a lot longer and see where it takes me.”

We asked Jamie-Leigh why other people with disabilities should try bowls, his answer captured the spirit of the sport perfectly:

“People with disabilities should take part in bowls because it’s good fun you learn new skills and get to meet a lot of new people.”

Another powerful example of what inclusive bowls can achieve is the story of 20-year-old Frazer Hutchison.

Frazer lives with a learning disability, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. He began playing bowls at the age of 13 after being introduced to the sport through his dad, who was a member of the village bowling club in Luncarty. What stood out to Frazer was that bowls is one of the few sports where people of all ages and abilities can compete together—and where everyone is valued.

His dedication and talent soon shone through. Frazer became the youngest ever Club Champion at Luncarty and remains the only player to have held the Club Championship, the Junior Championship, and the Champion of the Green titles all in the same season. He has also proudly represented Scotland in Learning Disabilities Indoor Bowls.

In recognition of his achievements, Frazer was invited to the King’s Garden Party at Holyrood—a moment he describes as a huge honour, made even more special by being introduced to the King.

Despite these incredible accomplishments, Frazer’s ambitions remain grounded and heartfelt:

“To keep playing to the best of my abilities and to hopefully keep enjoying the bowls.”

His message to others considering the sport is clear:

“Bowls is a game for everyone - young, old, with or without disabilities - and you meet so many different people who are all so willing to help you.”

For Fiona, this is what make coaching truly meaningful. Her proudest achievement came at the National Lawn Bowls Championships in Aberdeen. 

“My biggest achievement was taking five athletes to Aberdeen and coming away with four new National Champions but to me, they were all winners.”

What she values most is seeing the joy on the athletes’ faces.

“I love seeing the bowlers smiling and having fun. If they are enjoying themselves, then I am doing something worthwhile.”

Looking ahead, Fiona's ambition remains beautifully simple:

“I just want the athletes to have fun and enjoy it—and if they win, it’s a bonus.”

What began as one person wanting to give something back has grown into an inclusive bowls community where people with disabilities can build confidence, form friendships, represent their country, and discover just how far they can go.

This is the power of disability sport. This is bowls - more than a game, it’s a place to belong.

Very best of luck to Graeme Panton and Jamie-Leigh Lutton from Blackford Bowling Club, Frazer Hutchison from Luncarty Bowling Club who along with coach, Fiona Taylor will be representing Scotland at the Learning Disabilities Indoor Bowls International Series to compete for the Munro Cup 2026 at Leicester Indoor Bowls Club on April 22-23.

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