An Ayrshire bowler has been axed from the Scotland team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Garry Hood, who is originally from Mauchline but plays his bowls at Craigie Bowling Club in Ayr, has been taken out of the team after allegedly posting offensive remarks online about former UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Scotland's health secretary Humza Yousaf.

Hood was set to make his first Commonwealth Games appearance in 28 years after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a condition when your body’s immune system attacks your nerves, in 2015.

An investigation has been launched into the apparent post.

However, Mr Hood took defiantly took to Facebook once again to claim he was 'speaking his mind'.

His post read: "Anyone who knows me will know I speak my mind.

"This transcends everything in life as free speech. A basic right of every individual.

"For clarity, I've given no opinion on the post, or indeed said I'd be against Rishi Sunak being our next PM, Islamist or not.

"My support from him can be found on my social media, and my support started soon into the Covic-19 pandemic, as he supported many thousands of people and businesses throughout the pandemic.

"Since Boris Johnson resigned, Rishi has been favourite for PM, and all I've done is reiterated this, no matter his colour, creed or religion.

"I post this to let my friends know what's going on, as my phone hasn't stopped ringing and pinging since yesterday.

"I wish all my colleagues all the very best at Birmingham 2022.

"Bring back the gold yins!"

Bowls Scotland spokesperson said: “Bowls Scotland is aware of messages which have been posted on social media. We are working with Commonwealth Games Scotland to investigate the issue further.

“Bowls Scotland is firm in our belief that we welcome participants from all communities, nations and backgrounds and there is no room for racism in our sport or in society.

“We will make no further comment on this incident at this time.”