MeToo row at historic bowling club prompts spate of resignations

Members walk out following election of new president who was suspended for sexist remarks

A MeToo row has engulfed an historic Perthshire bowling club.

Several members have walked out of the Blackford organisation following the controversial election of a new president who was previously suspended for sexist comments.

Charles Russell was forced to stand down as club president in 2015, after complaints about his behaviour at a National Championship event in Ayr.

He made a lewd comment about a female member’s body and swore in a busy restaurant.

It sparked complaints from the owner of the Blackbull Hotel in Tarbolton, who told the club: “I regret to inform you that we can no longer accept Mr Russell in our premises. This is due to his behaviour... and the upset caused to some of our loyal customers, and also our staff members.”

The female member complained Mr Russell had made an obscene comment about the size of her lower body, after hearing she had four children and 10 grandchildren.

Mr Russell was allowed back after apologising to the woman at an extraordinary meeting of the club later that year.

He has now been re-elected president, prompting at least four members to quit.

Development officer and lead coach Ron Anderson said he asked the club to investigate further concerns raised by three other female members in the days’ following Mr Russell’s election. The club said they would not investigate in the absence of formal complaints.

Mr Anderson said: “Personally, I was left with no choice but to resign my positions. I could not condone this appointment within my parent club.

“The sport is dying on its feet and instances such as this do nothing to encourage new members, in particular female members.

“Female bowling membership is particularly low within Perthshire clubs and Bowls Scotland’s strategy seeks to address this by having recruitment drives to boost the numbers. I’m afraid Blackford Bowling Club’s stance does nothing to address falling female numbers.”

Mr Anderson added: “During my time at the club, I revamped their constitution, disciplinary procedures, child protection policies, health and safety policies in line with Bowls Scotland’s policies, so there is provision to deal with such matters.

“Indeed there are instances in my time on committee where members have been investigated and expelled in similar circumstances, so impartiality and fairness are not being demonstrated.

“As a retired police officer, I am astounded at the stance taken by the club.”

Mr Russell and the club have declined to comment.

Bowls Scotland, which is aware of the situation, did not respond to requests for a statement.

The club has been part of the village for more than 150 years.

Blackford Bowling Club has been part of the community for 150 years.

Charles Russell, who has been re-elected as president of Blackford Bowling Club despite previously being suspended for sexist comments.