Multiple Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medal-winning athlete Eilidh Doyle has been chosen to carry the Scottish Flag and lead Team Scotland into the Opening Ceremony of the XXI Commonwealth Games, which takes place at the Carrara Stadium on 4 April.

Doyle was appointed flag bearer by her fellow Team Scotland athletes following a vote and was announced today (2 April) at a reception held at The Home of the Arts on Australia’s Gold Coast. Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Sport presented her with the flag in front of her fellow athletes, team officials and supporters.

Eilidh was selected from a strong final shortlist including shooter Jennifer McIntosh, and Lawn Bowls pair Alex Marshall and Paul Foster. The three athletes will be invited to walk out immediately behind Eilidh as deputy flag bearers.

Competing in her third Commonwealth Games, Doyle is a two-time silver medalist, with her performance in the 400m hurdles at Hampden Park during Glasgow 2014 undoubtedly one of the standout moments of Scotland’s most successful ever Games. She comes to Australia fresh from winning Bronze in the 400m at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

Eilidh is an inspirational leader, having captained Great Britain at the 2017 World Championships in London, where she won silver as part of the 4x400m team. It was that medal which confirmed her as Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete; and she is the current holder Scottish records in the 400m hurdles, 4x400m and indoor 400m.

Reflecting on her selection, Eilidh said: “This is just such a huge honour. I was really chuffed to have been nominated but to actually be voted to carry the flag is something else.

“It is also very special that I will be the first female to carry the flag. I am very proud to represent women in sport and I am a very patriotic Scot; so to step out and wave the Saltire will be an amazing feeling!”

Sport Minister Aileen Campbell said: “To be selected as your country’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games is a great honour, but also recognition of that athlete’s achievements and the respect they have from their fellow team members.

“I am delighted for Eilidh who is a very popular member of the team, and I am sure she will do her country proud when she leads out Team Scotland at the opening ceremony on Wednesday.”

Congratulating Eilidh on her selection, Paul Bush OBE, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “The announcement of the team flag bearer is a special occasion, signaling the end of our preparation and the final countdown to what we hope will be our most successful ever overseas Games.

“Eilidh embodies everything Team Scotland stands for as a proud, ambitious and inspirational leader; and the experience she has gathered throughout her illustrious career makes her the perfect candidate to lead us out into the Games Opening Ceremony.”