The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sports heroes put Arbroath on the map
Darren Burnett has lost count of the amount of world titles he has claimed at all levels of bowls.
Burnett will take part in his sixth Commonwealth Games later this year at Birmingham 2022.
On Monday the Arbroath policeman was named a major champion for the fifth time.
He claimed the World Indoor Bowls Championship pairs title with playing partner Stewart Anderson.
It has been a trophyladen career for Burnett.
But he knows he’s not the only one putting his Angus home town on the map at the moment.
Alan Soutar’s run to the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship captured the imagination over Christmas.
Arbroath FC are riding on a crest of a wave as they sit top of the Championship.
Tennis ace Jonny O’mara is this week competing at the Australian Open and Sky Sports golf commentator Ewen Murray is an avid fan of his home town.
All four have been made ambassadors of Arbroath FC.
The coastal town is home to around 24,000 people and is embracing its sporting success.
“It gives me a real sense of pride to play a part in putting Arbroath on the map,” said Burnett.
“I grew up here and feel very much part of the community.
“The number of messages I get on social media and from people in the street congratulating me is incredible.
“My daughter’s school, Hayshead Primary, had my game on TV.
“There’s a buzz about Arbroath right now.
“Look at what Alan Soutar did at Ally Pally.
“He’s now one of the best darts players in the world and he lives in Arbroath.
“Jonny O’mara is playing at the Australia Open and Ewen Murray commentates on golf all over the world.
“Then you have our football team. What they are achieving is incredible.
“For a town of our size to be as prominent in world sport as we are is amazing.
“The football club epitomises the community spirit that exists in Arbroath.
“They have made us ambassadors and have brilliant links to the community.
“They have opened the doors and brought the whole town together.”
Meanwhile, Burnett fears his world title success may not be enough to keep him in the top 16.
He bravely battled back from 13 months out after he was forced to have a metal plate inserted in his broken left arm.
But a first-round singles exit to Ken Chan has put him in a precarious position.
“It’s been a mixed week,” added Burnett.
“I could still drop out of the top 16 which would mean I wouldn’t automatically qualify for major tournaments.
“But it’s brilliant to be a world champion with Stewart again.
“I’m proud of how I bounced back from losing my singles match to help us win.”