By Tenpin Bowling Proprietors Association President John Ashbridge
The sixteen lane Granite Bowl was opened by a former Aberdonian, John Innes and his Canadian brother-in-law Sid Mannett. John Innes had emigrated to Canada some thirteen years earlier where he started, with his wife, to play five-pin bowling. They met Sid Mannett whilst playing in one of the leagues and sometime later Sid married John Innes sister-in-law. Friendship grew and both John and Sid were determined to become bowling centre operators. They subsequently returned to Scotland and began a search for a suitable site. This took some time, but they eventually agreed on a site in Loch Street, Aberdeen.
The Hay’s Dazzlers were one of the top teams sponsored by Hay’s and sons who were in the mineral water business. The team won many times at home and also traveled the country also. It is not clear when exactly the centre opened or how long it continued in operation.
