Learn about the history of Coltbridge Bowling Club

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During a fun game of bowls on a sunny Sunday morning in June 2026  I was chatting to Peter Clayton and we somehow got onto the subject of the history of the club.

Peter informed me that a comprehensive history of the club had been written by Past President Archie Drummond in 2007 and with the help of Dorothy Crystal I found a copy of Archies information booklet which was / is very impressive.

 You can download a pdf of Archies booklet below.

I have also included a link below to a pdf of  a booklet published in 1982 for the club's centenary.

Over the next few weeks photographs from the club's history and a list of past presedents and champions will also be added to the website.

This page was created by Derek Burgoyne, apologies for any inaccuracies and omissions. It is intended to be considered a "work in progress" please let me know if you have any comments, corrections or additions that you would like to be made .

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be fascinated by Archie Drummond’s wonderful booklet, which tells the story of Coltbridge Bowling Club in such a comprehensive and engaging way.

As we look ahead to the club’s 150th anniversary, it feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything the club has achieved and the many changes it has witnessed over the past century and a half.

What an extraordinary period of history the club has spanned. Throughout its lifetime, it has endured two World Wars, countless social and technological changes, and many other significant world events.

More recently, the club faced one of its greatest challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many community organisations, its future was placed under real threat, and there were times when its continued existence seemed uncertain.

It is therefore especially pleasing to see that, in 2026, Coltbridge Bowling Club continues to thrive. While there is still much to do to ensure its long-term sustainability and success, the club remains a vibrant and valued part of the local community.

I hope you enjoy reading Archie’s booklet as much as I have. If you have any memories, photographs, or stories that could help add to the club’s history, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Derek Burgoyne July 2026.

Here is  a summary of Archies extremely interesting and informatioce booklet, however I highly reccommend that you also read it in its entirety either by clicking on the pdf link below or asking a committee menber to be lent an origonal printed copy.

Coltbridge Bowling Club was founded in 1882 on land beside the Water of Leith in Edinburgh after builder Charles J. Henderson was prevented from developing the site because of railway restrictions. Instead, he created a bowling green, laying the foundations for a club that has thrived for over 125 years.

The name Coltbridge dates back centuries and is linked to an early crossing over the Water of Leith. The area evolved from a small hamlet into a growing suburb during the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway, horse trams, and later residential development.

• The club was established in 1882 and quickly organised competitions.
• Henderson donated the Rink Medal, still played for today.
• Richard Haldane served as the first President (1882–1885).
• By 1884 the club had joined the Edinburgh and Leith Bowling Association and regularly played friendly and competitive matches.
• The club earned a reputation as “Couthy Coltbridge” because of its welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

• In 1921, the club purchased its ground for £400, becoming a limited company with 50 shareholders.
• Membership and facilities steadily expanded while maintaining a strong community spirit.

The bowling green has always been regarded as the club’s greatest asset. Dedicated Green Rangers such as Tom Barrie, George Arnott, Mike Brown, and David Jamieson ensured it remained one of the club’s greatest strengths.

• The original clubhouse was a simple single-storey building where members famously served themselves whisky from a large glass jar, leaving payment in a tobacco tin.
• In 1957, a second floor was added and officially opened by Sir Ian Johnston-Gilbert, then Lord Provost of Edinburgh and a club member.
• A major extension in 1980–81 was funded largely through the sale of surplus land to Cala Homes, along with loans and extensive volunteer labour by club members.

Many families made lasting contributions across generations, including the Kyles, McDonalds, Hendersons, and Spiers families.

Several members achieved national recognition, representing Scotland or winning major championships, including:

• John A. McDonald
• Alex Henderson
• Frank Park
• Tom Barry
• Chris Crawford
• Andrew Sinclair
• Willie Steven
• Willie Garden

A memorable story tells of Rev. J. S. Elliot, who left the green during a match to conduct a wedding he had forgotten about before returning to finish his game.

Although known for its friendly atmosphere, the club enjoyed notable sporting achievements:

• Joined various Edinburgh bowling leagues from the 1960s onwards.
• Won the prestigious Top Ten Competition in 1990, regarded as one of the club’s greatest achievements.
• Senior teams enjoyed league success, winning titles in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

The club invested in the future by introducing coaching for young players and newcomers, led by qualified coaches Bob Goodall and John Dick.

By 2007:

• Around 80 male members
• Around 55 female members

Despite changing membership numbers, the club remained confident of its future.

The history celebrates more than 125 years of bowling, friendship, volunteer commitment and community spirit. It acknowledges the work of historians Andrew Bogie, David Allan, David Kyles, John McNaughton, and compiler Archie Drummond, expressing the hope that future generations will continue the story of “Couthy Coltbridge.”