AYR is set to host the 2022 European Bowls Championships.

The move was confirmed on Friday by Bowls Europe after the 2021 Championships had to be re-arranged due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scotland will compete in this event alongside 18 other nations from around the continent from Saturday, July 9 – Thursday, July 14, 2022.

Next year’s event will be the 13th edition of the Bowls Europe Championships (formerly European Bowls Union) and Scotland are level with England as the competitions most successful nation with four victories each.

The format of the revamped European Championships will be men’s and women’s singles, pairs, triples, and fours with each player eligible to compete in two disciplines such as singles or fours and pairs or triples.

Bowls Scotland are also committed to hosting a European Open competition on July 15 and 16. This will allow players from across Europe and Scotland to test themselves against each other.

Alan McMillan, CEO of Bowls Scotland, said: “I am excited to welcome Europe’s bowls nations to Scotland and enjoy this celebration of competitive bowls.

“The European Championships will develop over the coming years to provide a vital platform for players to achieve their full potential. I am sure the Bowls Europe Directors, Bowls Scotland staff, volunteers, players, and spectators will all contribute to a memorable event.”

Bob Christie, Bowls Europe Chair, added: “Bowls Europe is delighted that Bowls Scotland is supporting the 2022 European Championships.

“I am glad that the new competition format mirrors other major bowls events such as the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. We are also exploring the opportunity of adding visually impaired and physically disabled para bowls disciplines.”