The Scottish Government has announced £245,000 of funding to support the King’s Baton Relay (KBR) in Scotland ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

The funding, awarded to Commonwealth Games Scotland, will support at least 22 community events during the host nation leg from 1 to 23 July 2026, with the relay travelling to cities, rural areas and island communities. It will culminate in the Opening Ceremony of the Games.  

Communities and sports clubs are encouraged to express their interest in hosting a visit, with the application process open until the end of March 2026. 

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There is also an open call for designers to apply for the commission for the decoration of Scotland’s Baton – Decorate the Baton – which closes tomorrow 12 March.

Sport Minister Maree Todd visited GalGael, a social enterprise based in Govan, Glasgow, whose craftspeople hand-made the batons for the relay using ash from Pollok Park.

She said:  

“Visiting GalGael and seeing the craftsmanship that has gone into creating the batons is a wonderful reminder of what makes this relay so special. I’m pleased that Scottish Government funding will help bring the King’s Baton Relay to communities right across Scotland this summer.  

“Whether a sports club, a community group, or simply want to be part of the build-up to Glasgow 2026, I’d encourage everyone to get involved. These free community events are a real opportunity to get active, connect with others, and improve wellbeing right across Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what makes Scotland unique on a truly global stage, and I want as many people as possible to be part of it.”

Gayle McPherson, Director of Legacy and Community Engagement at Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:

“The King’s Baton Relay is a special part of the build-up to Glasgow 2026 and will connect communities across Scotland with the excitement of a home Games. The baton itself carries the message of a sustainable Games, made from reclaimed ash from a Glasgow park by the traditional craftspeople at GalGael in Govan.

“The Scottish Government’s support will help bring the relay to towns, cities and island communities right across the country to ensure everyone is part of the celebrations and provide fans with the opportunity to show their support for Team Scotland as our athletes make their final preparations for Glasgow 2026.”

The KBR activation in Scotland will deliver free public events, creating opportunities for communities and sports clubs the length and breadth of the country to be part of the build-up to Glasgow 2026. 

The Scottish Government is also providing £15 million of funding for sporting organisations to offer free, accessible and inclusive physical activity opportunities to capitalise on a “spectacular summer of sport”.