A STREET outside East Lothian’s indoor bowling arena has been named after one of the sport’s greatest ever players.

Willie Wood Way has been named in recognition of the achievements of the star, who has competed in eight Commonwealth Games.

The street sign was revealed this afternoon outside Meadowmill Sports Centre, near Prestonpans, in front of a crowd, which included a surprised Willie Wood.

Fellow former international bowler Graham Robertson, who has known the Gifford resident for many years, felt it was a fitting tribute for Willie, who has won more than a dozen medals at the World Outdoor Bowls Championship, stretching from 1980 to 2008.

East Lothian Courier: A street leading to the East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club has been named in recognition of legendary bowler Willie Wood's achievements. Image: Gordon BellA street leading to the East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club has been named in recognition of legendary bowler Willie Wood's achievements. Image: Gordon Bell (Image: Gordon Bell)

Willie first represented his country in 1966 and has subsequently played in a record-breaking eight Commonwealth Games, winning two gold, one silver and one bronze medal along the way.

Graham, who has also represented Scotland in the international bowls arena, was involved in coming up with the idea of marking his friend’s achievements.

Consideration was given to naming a street in Willie’s home village of Gifford.

But, when it was discovered the road leading to the sports centre was unnamed, it became first choice to see it become Willie Wood Way.

East Lothian Courier: A street leading to the East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club has been named in recognition of legendary bowler Willie Wood's achievements. From left: Colin Wood, son; Willie Wood; Lilly Wood, grandaughter and daughter Sylvia Wood. Image: Gordon BellA street leading to the East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club has been named in recognition of legendary bowler Willie Wood's achievements. From left: Colin Wood, son; Willie Wood; Lilly Wood, grandaughter and daughter Sylvia Wood. Image: Gordon Bell (Image: Gordon Bell)

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Graham said: “It will certainly come as a bit of a surprise to him today.

“Given what he has inputted to bowls in East Lothian and Scotland, this is a very, very worthy event.

“He is closely associated with the indoor bowling club.

“He was a founding member and instigator of it way back in the day.

“It is a fitting tribute.

“He is arguably Scotland’s greatest bowler and not only has he got the medals to prove it but his longevity in the sport is probably unprecedented.

“He is an incredible player.

“Even at the age of 85, he is still a top, top player and a remarkable bowler over generations.”

East Lothian Courier: Legendary bowler Willie Wood reveals Willie Wood Way named in his honour. Image: Gordon BellLegendary bowler Willie Wood reveals Willie Wood Way named in his honour. Image: Gordon Bell (Image: Gordon Bell)

Willie has been capped more than 130 times for Scotland over a 40-year period.

In 1992, he was awarded the MBE for services to sport and was the first bowler inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Bill Axon, chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, said: “It’s fantastic to see Willie Wood MBE’s accomplishments recognised in this way. 

“The unveiling is a permanent reminder for the community of the bowling icon’s achievements, which will be truly inspiring for East Lothian’s athletes."