BOWLERS make the transition from indoors to outdoors tonight (Friday) as the new campaign gets under way.

Four highly competitive divisions, featuring more than 40 sides, get up and running following a busy indoor season.

In the top flight, reigning champions Haddington have their eyes set on the title once again and they welcome EL Co-oP in a tasty season opener.

Last year’s runners up Port Seton will be looking to go one better and host East Linton to kickstart their season.

Tranent welcome newly-promoted Aberlady, while Prestongrange host West Barns and Elphinstone head to the other promoted side in Winton to complete the fixtures for week one.

Relegated sides Castlepark and Ormiston will be eyeing an immediate return to Division One but will have no easy games in the second tier.

Both sides meet in the opening week as they look to set their stalls out early.

Tranent (A) make the longest journey in the county as they head to promoted side Cockburnspath while EL CO-OP (A) host close neighbours Macmerry.

Dunbar host Port Seton (A) whilst newly promoted North Berwick welcome Prestongrange (A).

In Division Three, there is set to be a feisty encounter with East Linton A and Longniddry dropping into the league from Division Two.

Both are matched in the opening fixture of the season.

Gifford finished third last season and will be looking for a return to Division Two and they head to Macmerry.

Division Four champions Athelstaneford host Stenton in their return to the league while Castlepark (A) tackle Haddingtion (A) and Dunbar are afforded the ‘free week’ fixture.

In Division Four, Pathhead will be looking to go one better and gain promotion to Division Three.

They are likely to face a stiff challenge from Gullane and West Barns (A) with less than one win separating the sides last season.

Division Three dropouts Castlepark (A) will be seeking an immediate bounceback to the third tier and they head to Aberlady (A) on the opening week.

New Division Four side Tranent (B) will look to use the league to introduce new faces to the Friday night league structure as well as the experienced members of East Lothian Labour Club.

Billy Mellors, East Lothian bowls development officer, stressed the importance of clubs making and maintaining contact throughout the season.

He said: “As the season kicks off, I am keen to support East Lothian clubs to reach their full potential.

“There are many ways for the clubs to recruit new members, with further guidance and advice available by contacting myself via development@bowlseastlothian.co.uk

“Clubs will receive funding opportunities via the East Lothian Hub meetings, and I will also be sending monthly updates on grants that are available to our clubs.

“These applications can be very straightforward but if assistance is required, I am happy to help.

“Bowls Scotland also hold valuable resources that clubs can use, and these can be found at www.bowlsscotland.com/club-development

“In conjunction with East Lothian Council, there has been positive steps taken in the county clubs by introducing Active Schools sessions.”