The Queen’s Baton spent five days exploring three-time Commonwealth Games host country, Scotland, marking the start of the Baton’s tour of the home nations.
The Relay kicked off with a community celebration at Inverness Squash and Tennis Club, where Scottish Squash star, Gregg Lobban, returned to his home courts to carry the Baton. Next along the route was to the famous Loch Ness, where the Baton took to the water on a boat. Clyde, official mascot of Glasgow 2014 and Team Scotland held the Baton as Batonbearers tried to spot Nessie! Batonbearers also visited tree nurseries of Dundreggan and Trees for Life to plant trees.
The second day of the Relay saw the Baton visit the Isle of Arran, where members of the community joined together to welcome the Baton at the Ormidale Sports Pitches. Eleanor O’Donnell was among the Batonbearers on the island, she’ll be representing Team Scotland in badminton during Birmingham 2022.
On day three of the Scottish Relay, Batonbearers visited Dumfries House, which is part of the Prince’s Foundation, where Erin Guild, who was born with cystinosis and has raised money and awareness for the Cystinosis Foundation UK charity, carried the Baton with pride.
Later that day, Batonbearer and captain of the Scottish Para Bowls team, Robert Barr, was welcomed into Pirie Park Primary School with a procession of bag pipers. A few students were also given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Baton with pride through the school grounds. The day ended with a visit to Kinneil House.
The following day began with community celebrations at Forrester High School and Edinburgh Gaelic School, where a range of activities were put on for members of the community. The Baton was also taken to visit Scottish Parliament.
The fifth and final day in Scotland started at Priorsford Primary School, where pupils had the chance to interact with the Baton and show off their sports and dancing skills. The Baton also visited Lochcarron of Scotland, who have made the Team Scotland tartan that the athletes will wear during the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony.
