Snapshot: Alex Grieve carves out career in bowls despite loss of hands, 1983

THE loss of his hands in a pit accident couldn’t hold back miner Alex Grieve, who went on to carve a successful career in bowls.

He was front page news on July 15, 1983 when, with the help of a specially constructed bowling hand made from an old car headlamp, he reached the latter stages of the City of Edinburgh Annual Bowling Tournament.

Alex, 58, was a member of Musselburgh Private Bowling Club where, according to doubles partner John Downie, “he is just regarded as any other ordinary member”.

Three years earlier, Alex had been crowned champion in the Midlothian Pairs Competition with Bob Arthur.