A GOUROCK bowler who had to put his interest in the sport on hold after the tragic loss of his wife has told of his delight at taking home a national prize.

Raymond Swankie, 45, says winning bronze in the singles competition at the Bowls Scotland National Championships was a special moment for him after five difficult years.

The Gourock bowling club member sadly lost his wife Louise in June 2018, after she was struck down by sepsis aged just 38.

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After the tragedy Raymond had to spend less time on the bowling green to ensure he could care for his son Finlay.

But in the years that followed he has been able to pick himself back up and rediscover his love of the sport, winning his club’s singles championship in 2020 and 2022.

Greenock Telegraph: Raymond Swankie wins bronze at Bowls Scotland National Championships

His win in 2022 saw him represent the club in the national championships, where he won the local district final to earn a place in the final competition at Northfield Bowling Club in Ayr.

Raymond told the Tele he never expected to make it to the final stages of the tournament.

He said: “Representing the club in the Scottish [competition] has been a real privilege.

“Managing to qualify at the start of June and winning the district final was fantastic just by itself.

“I went down to Northfield to try and win but I knew it was the cream of the crop I was up against.

“I was just going to enjoy myself and see what happened, every win was a bonus.

“I wasn’t nervous, I just played my game.”

Raymond’s run to the semi-final was not his first taste of Northfield, having previously competed at the club in the 2002 iteration of the competition as a junior player.

He said: “I thought that was my last chance 21 years ago, I never thought I’d be back.

“There’s so many good bowlers in this district it just wasn’t something I thought was possible, that made it extra special.”

Once at Northfield, Raymond managed to advance to the semi-finals, pulling off a stunning comeback from 17-8 down to win his quarter-final tie.

The penultimate hurdle proved too much for the talented player, but Raymond says he is proud of the showing he gave in the competition.

Greenock Telegraph: Raymond Swankie wins bronze at Bowls Scotland National Championship

He added: “To get down to the last four in Scotland was unreal.

“I wasn’t downbeat when I lost, just getting there was a win.

“I look back on everything that’s happened to me over the five years to where I am now and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.

“In 2018 my wee boy was 15 months old, so I just concentrated on family life and less on my bowling.

“I didn’t play as much, but I needed something to keep me going.

“I’ve had a steady few years since then where I’ve focused on my bowling and learned to live my life again.

“I always think to myself that she’d be looking down on me, my wife was a bowler and an internationalist.

“There were a few times where I had a wee look to the sky when I was playing.

“She would have been proud of what I achieved and how well I’ve come along and picked myself up.

Greenock Telegraph: Raymond Swankie wins bronze at Bowls Scotland National Championship

“I’ve got the support that lets me play bowls, my wee boy comes first, and everyone, especially my family, helps me out so I can play.

“I really owe a big thanks to the club, kindred clubs and my family who came down every day to support me and sent me lots of kind messages.

“A crazy week ending in a bronze medal is something I’ll never forget.”