Bowls event will be big draw

International: Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club to host under-25 tournament

Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club in Summerhill has been chosen to host the British Isles Indoor Bowls Council Under-25 International Series this weekend.

Teams from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales will compete in this prestigious competition, drawing spectators from all over the UK.

The north-east has five representatives in the Scotland squad: Garioch’s Jason Banks, Kevin McDonald from Elgin, Aberdeen’s Jak Miller, the Broch’s Bradley Buchan, and team captain Connor Milne from Turriff.

Jak, a plumber in the Granite City, is relishing the chance to represent Scotland in his home city.

He said: “When I heard that I had been picked to represent my country in this tournament to be played in my home town I was thrilled.

“It will be great to have my friends and family cheering myself and all the other Scots lads on home soil next weekend.

“We have a good representation from the north-east in the Scotland squad, with Jason, Kevin, Bradley, team-captain Connor and myself. All the other countries will have good support, but I would think that having the home support behind us will give us an added boost.

“Connor Milne from Turriff is our team captain and I’m delighted that I’m going to be playing with him in the fours as it will be his last international

“It’s quite an important event for the economy of the city”

event at the under-25 age group level.”

The Aberdeen club’s secretary, Andrew Grant, is equally thrilled that his venue is to hold the event.

“This is a massive honour for our club, only the second international tournament we have held,” he said.

“We had the under-25 ladies’ event quite a few years ago now. This time it’s the turn of the men.

“We’re expecting between 300 and 400 spectators each day in the stadium to cheer on the bowlers.

“It’s the biggest indoor bowling venue in Europe. We’ve got 12 rinks so there should be plenty of room for the competitors as well.

“We will be bringing in additional spectator seating so I would imagine there should be a pretty good atmosphere in the stadium, with supporters from all four countries competing.

“There has already been a lot of hotel accommodation booked so it’s quite an important event for the economy of the city as well.”

Photograph by Jim Irvine THRILLED: Jak Miller is relishing the chance to represent Scotland in the British Isles Indoor Bowls Council Under-25 International Series.