Friday December 19th 2025
Dahrlene Tough (MIBC Coach and DM Development Lead and Jim Hiddleson (BM Vice President) meeting with David J Kelly (Chair of The Gray Foundation) to formally accept the donated equipment.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Following recent success at Disability Sports Week in November, Bowls Midlothian (BM) and Midlothian Indoor Bowling Club (MIBC) received new equipment designed to make bowls more inclusive in Midlothian by The Gray Foundation.
The Gray Foundation, a local family fundraising organisation established in memory of former Midlothian bowlers John and Jean Gray, has donated a brand new Bowls Wheelchair and Bowls Stroller.
The donation represents a major step forward for the sport in the region. The equipment is available for use both indoors and outdoors, ensuring year-round accessibility. This initiative directly supports the development goals of both BM and MIBC: to ensure bowls is accessible to all, to remove barriers to entry, and to promote the physical and mental wellbeing that comes with social sport.
he introduction of this specialised equipment serves a dual purpose. It opens the door for new bowlers with disabilities to try the sport, while simultaneously allowing existing bowlers with mobility issues to continue playing the game they love for longer.
David also highlighted that these efforts are a result of a wider community effort:
“Donations like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partner businesses – Edinburgh Scaffolding, Dalkeith Ford Centre and Neilsons – and, of course, the people that attend and participate in our events. We are incredibly grateful for their continued backing.”
To mark the occasion, Dahrlene Tough (MIBC Coach and BM Development Lead) and Jim Hiddleston (BM Vice President) met with David to formally accept the equipment and offer their sincere thanks to The Gray Foundation and the family for their kind donation.
Both organisations agree that these additions will be invaluable assets available to all clubs across Midlothian, reinforcing the message that bowls is a sport open to everyone.
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