THE much-anticipated Scottish National Bowling Championships at Northfield have been cancelled owing to the coronavirus crisis.

Top players from across the country had been set to converge on the Ayr venue in July, but with still much uncertainty as to the extent of the outbreak it has had to be called off.

It is one of four national events to be cancelled, along with the Ladies National Top Ten, Linda Brennan Pairs and Andrew Hamilton Trophy.

A Bowls Scotland spokesman said: “Following on from the latest Government advice from the board Bowls Scotland has taken the decision cancel all Bowls Scotland events for the 2020:season.

“As the National governing body we have a duty of care to all our clubs to put people’s health first.”

The 2020 World Outdoor World Bowls Championships, which were set to feature Troon legend Paul Foster and Darren Weir of Prestwick, have also been cancelled.

They were set to run from May 26 until June 7.

Foster is one of Scotland’s most decorated bowlers and won two medals at the last Commonwealth Games in Broadbeach, following on from his success at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.