The second of Auchinleck’s representatives at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is Claire Johnston.

The 43-year-old is set to make an appearance at her fourth Commonwealth Games, having appeared in 2010, 2014 and 2018 previously.

Bowling highlights for Claire come in the form of having three world titles, and winning bronze in the pairs in the Gold Coast at the 2018 Games.

Claire’s route into bowls came when she was 13. Having watched her mum and dad play at Auchinleck BC for many years, she thought that the sport was something she wanted to try, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Claire joined a short while later, and since then she has gone onto won the Scottish National Bowls Championships Pairs title and also won the triples silver medal and fours bronze medal at the Atlantic Bowls Championships, among other accolades.

“There are a lot of sacrifices that you have to make when you play at the top in any sport,” Claire said.

“I practice four days a week and I like to keep myself fit, so there’s a lot that goes into it to get to where you want to be.

“We have squad days and we’ve got a great group players and we all get on, so it makes it easier.”

Having had the experience behind her from her last three Commonwealth experience, Claire is buzzing to get to Birmingham, soak in the atmosphere, and hopefully complete a successful games for Team Scotland.

Claire went on: “I can’t wait to get down there and it’s an amazing feeling to be at the Commonwealth Games because it’s the second biggest stage we can perform at, just behind the Olympics.

“The feeling of getting your kit, getting in the village, meeting new friends, it really is special.

“I’m privileged and honoured to be going for a fourth time, I should be retiring soon.

“If somebody had said to be me 13 years ago that you’ll be coming up to your fourth games, I would’ve thought they were mad.

“When you’re at the opening ceremony and you’ve got your kilt on and you get into the feel of it, it’s honestly surreal.

“It’s such an honour and it makes all the hard work and dedication worthwhile.”