People of a certain age who mention playing bowls often encounter a wave of puzzled queries. Most center on one core point: why choose this activity?

Added to that come remarks labeling it a dull pursuit for older men. That narrative has stayed constant. Yet the atmosphere shifts when the DJ at the SEC takes control.

McGrouther has fielded these questions repeatedly. Her responses, however, stand out as unexpected.

Many players trace their start to family members, yet the Fife athlete had no relatives urging her toward the local venue. She simply decided to try it on her own.

Introduced to bowls at age 10 through a school session, she chose to visit Abbeyview Bowling Club. To the amazement of those around her then, she continued. It proved a wise choice.

"I headed to the club after classes and they chuckled as I arrived on my scooter, wondering who I was," McGrouther shared with BBC Sport Scotland.

"The social side appeals most, along with friends met across the globe, and that sustains my involvement.

"I skipped various occasions due to training focus, yet it feels rewarding that the effort paid off."

After journeys worldwide with her equipment, she recognizes the doors the sport has opened. She also grasps the influence a major event can deliver.

Though new to the game and already placing bowls near the jack, she watched excitedly from the stands at Kelvingrove 12 years ago, supporting Paul Foster and Alex Marshall during their men's pairs gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Now joining those idols at these home events feels remarkable, especially since the format differs by taking place indoors.

Two large glitter balls greet visitors at the bowls venue, and the Bee Gees soundtrack accompanied her teammates' Para-mixed pairs B2-B3 victory on Tuesday.

This refreshed version of bowls aims to attract the next rising talent from the crowd.

"Inspiring one young girl to try bowls could spark a chain that places her in a comparable spot 12 years on, and that would mark a major success," she noted.

"Efforts focus on easing the stigma around bowls, as traditional attire and older-only participation belong to the past.

"We advance beyond that to sustain and expand the sport for younger players."

Young enthusiasts will surely appear in West Lothian, where McGrouther works as a teacher.

Everyone at Winchburgh Primary School embraced the Games spirit ahead of summer break, making the bowler feel like a star in the hallways.

"A real energy filled the school as we ran a full Glasgow 2026 program with various contests, and I truly sensed celebrity status in the corridors," she said.

"Pupils remarked, 'Miss McGrouther, you are well known and heading to the Commonwealth Games!'

"Hopefully the experience inspired them, since many had limited awareness of the event, yet classroom exposure made it tangible.

"Several students plan to attend next week, and introducing youth to bowls plus the other nine sports holds real value."

Supportive posters crafted by her pupils receive final details and promise to stir emotion, yet this marks only the start of her Games path and a fresh image for the sport.