COWDENBEATH'S Colin Sneddon couldn't have picked a tougher year to start his new funeral director's business in the town.

It was in the early weeks of 2020 that Colin opened his Station Road funeral parlour and within six weeks the coronavirus crisis struck, bringing something he never believed he would see, funeral gatherings reduced to a maximum of six people, and then more recently 20.

It has brought challenges for families, who have lost loved ones and also the area's funeral directors, who have not come across such a strange situation.

Covid-19 has also hit Colin's favourite pastime, with him not able to get out on the Cowdenbeath Bowling Club green until July, and the cancellation of club and regional competitions through the virus was an added frustration for the man who also runs a taxi business in the town.

Having won the club's men's pairs competition, with Andrew Johnstone, he was expecting to be playing in the Fife Pairs competition trying to win a place at the Scottish finals, in Ayr, but Covid ended these hopes.

However, since he started playing at the Bowling Street green he has been wanting to get his businesses' signs around the green and he was delighted to see the funeral directors' sign go up last week.

Said Colin: "It has been a funny old year. The funeral parlour was only open for a few weeks and then the Covid struck.

"It was been so difficult for families who have lost loved ones, especially when it was down to only six people being allowed to attend. Having to explain to people they could not attend to pay their last respects was so very hard for them and I know that the funeral directors in the area have been trying to help them to get through these difficult days the best they can."

Colin started bowling by chance, when friend, John Galloway, invited him to have a trial game in 2017 and he enjoyed it so much he joined up and became a regular 'booler'.

"2018 was my first full season and thanks to the advice I got from people I was playing with, and against, I was able to develop my skills," he added, "I was delighted to be able to help the cause when Andrew and myself managed to win the club pairs in 2019 and then I was fortunate enough to win the Mixed Singles competition, so last season was a good one.

"I was really looking forward to the Fife Pairs but alas it was not to be and I can't wait for next season."

Pleased to see his sign go up at the green, Colin added: "I was delighted to sponsor the club in this way and it is good to see many businesses from the Cowdenbeath area getting involved."

Club president Brian Simpson said it has been great to have so many local businesses backing the club: "We have quite a few members involved in businesses who have sponsored us and is great to have them aboard and we thank them and everyone who has taken taken signs around the green.

"It has been a frustrating year, but at least we have seen some play, although all the club and national competitions have been cancelled this season.

"Hopefully we can get these back up and running in 2021."