BOWLS Scotland has announced that its national championships - held at Ayr's Northfield Bowling Centre - will be cancelled for the second year in a row.

The decision was confirmed after a meeting between Bowls Scotland’s Board of Directors as they look after the safety of members and clubs.

The tournament was due to run between Sunday, 25 and Saturday, July 31‬.

The Andrew Hamilton Trophy and the Ladies Top 10 have also been cancelled.

READ MORE: European bowls tournament in Ayr cancelled until 2023 due to coronavirus

A statement from Bowls Scotland said: "We understand some of our members and clubs will be disappointed with these decisions and everyone at Bowls Scotland shares that disappointment.

"However, we have a duty of care to everyone in our bowling family.

"As always, our clubs and members are at the heart of everything we do, and we understand many of our members missed competitive play last year.

"We will continue to review the Scottish Government’s forthcoming timetable for easing restrictions, and should the opportunity arise we will endeavour to run some form of competition later this season".

The sport's governing body will continue to work closely with SportScotland in finalising their 2021 “Return to the Green COVID-19 Guidance”, and hope aim to make this available to affiliated clubs next week.