After an exciting five days in Scotland the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton made its final appearance at the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, with Team Scotland medallists Lynsey Sharp and Hannah Miley having the honour of carrying the Baton down the world famous Castle Esplanade, taking the Royal salute prior to the start of the show.
Two of Scotland’s highest profile athletes, Lynsey and Hannah proudly carried the Queen’s Baton down the Esplanade flanked by the Royal Navy Guard of Honour, supported by the Drums from the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Royal Marines, to a huge warm welcome from the international crowd.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an iconic Scottish showcase, is a firm favorite in Australia, with the show broadcast to bring in the New Year down under.
Edinburgh’s track and field star Lynsey Sharp, who won Commonwealth Games silver in the 800m at Glasgow 2014 and has just returned from the 2017 World Championships, started proceedings, before passing the Baton to Hannah.
Lynsey said: “It is a massive honour to carry the Baton and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I miss Edinburgh a lot. I grew up here going to the Tattoo and my school performed here so it is really special.
“Now that Worlds are out the way, Commonwealths are the next big focus. I have great memories from Glasgow and I am really looking forward to it being a different experience being so far from home. The Scottish athletics team has come on a long way since Glasgow so that is really exciting as well and on a personal level I would love to go one better than Glasgow.
“We don’t get the opportunity to compete for Scotland very often so it makes being part of Team Scotland even more special and I love being part of that smaller even tighter knit team.”
Double Commonwealth Games gold medallist in Swimming, Hannah Miley who hopes to compete in her fourth Games in Gold Coast and would love to defend her 400m Individual Medley title for a second time said: “I feel very proud and it is such a wonderful honour and I feel very lucky to have been chosen. I watched the Baton Relay for 2006, 2010 and for Glasgow in 2014 and for the athletes it signifies the start of the build-up for the Games. This is the first time I have taken part in the Baton Relay which makes it quite special and to be the last Batonbearer is really cool!
“It means the World to me to represent Team Scotland. When athletes compete you are not only doing it for yourself, but for your team and for your nation. There is something homely about it and it resonates in your heart a bit more when you put on the Scottish kit and you hear the Scottish anthem.
“The Scottish people have been so supportive to me over the years that I would love to be able to give back and do well in Gold Coast. I have a very intensive seven months of training ahead of me, but I aim to go there and just race for my team and hopefully put on a great performance that is special to watch like in Glasgow.”
Brigadier David Allfrey MBE, Producer & Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added: As we close our 2017 season, it’s a huge honour to part of such a big moment for the Commonwealth and weaves wonderfully with our theme for next year ‘Sky’s the Limit’ which celebrates Scotland’s amazing young people and their aspirations.”
Earlier in the day the Baton had made visits to two major sports events where Scottish athletes are striving to be selected for Team Scotland for the 2018 Games.
The QBR joined athletes past and present for a celebration lap of the Grangemouth Stadium track, at the Scottish Senior Athletics Championships which is a selection event for Gold Coast 2018.
It then hit the Beach at Portobello for a showcase of Beach Volleyball, which will make its Commonwealth Games debut in Gold Coast next year. Carrying the Baton were Team Scotland hopefuls, Lynne Beattie, Melissa Coutts, Robin Miedzybrodzki and Seain Cooke, all training hard and aiming to be selected for the Games.
Delighted with the reception the Queen’s Baton Relay has received this week, Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “It is great to see the Queen’s Baton Relay making such an impact up and down the country, with so many people getting the opportunity to touch the Gold Coast 2018 Baton on its global journey. The reception for our Team Scotland athletes, not to mention our mascot Clyde, has been quite overwhelming and hopefully this wave of support will continue to build, up to next year’s Commonwealth Games.
“It was really special to have the Baton here at Edinburgh Castle tonight prior to the Tattoo, one of the most iconic Scottish events acclaimed across the world and I believe it was a fitting finale to the 41st stop on the Baton’s global journey.”
There was definitely a sporty theme to today’s activities on the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay visit which centred on Stirling and Falkirk, where hundreds of young people were excited to be connecting with Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Games.
The day started at St Ninians Primary School in Stirling, well known for its ‘Daily Mile’ activity which encourages all school pupils to be physically active. The arrival of the Baton was also a chance to celebrate St Ninians link to Coolangatta State School as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Schools Connect programme.
Pupils were joined by Batonbearer and Team Scotland Para-Athlete Sammi Kinghorn, fresh from success at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London where she won two gold and one bronze medal on the track.
There to enjoy the proceedings, along with John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Public Health and Sport, Convener of Stirling Council’s Education Committee Susan McGill said: “The Daily Mile, introduced in St Ninians Primary in Stirling, is a powerful tool to improve children’s fitness and I am proud that our schools led the way in improving children’s health.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is an iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games and the involvement of St Ninians pupils will inspire pride in the local community and across the region.”
The Baton then headed to Falkirk where rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the large contingent of school children at a Commonwealth themed schools’ festival at the Helix and Kelpies. The McIntosh sisters, originally from Falkirk, took the Queen’s Baton on a lap of the iconic landmark, accompanied by a group of ‘mini batonbearers’ from local schools. Jennifer is Team Scotland’s most decorated female athlete of all time and along with sister Seonaid, became European Champions in small bore rifle shooting last month.
Paul Finnie, Sport and Recreation Manager at Falkirk Community Trust said “We’re delighted to welcome the Queen’s Baton relay to our facilities, namely Grangemouth Stadium and The Helix. We are so very proud of the athletes who are training and developing in the Falkirk area and look forward to cheering on Team Scotland in 2018!”
The last stop of the day was to the University of Stirling, home of Team Scotland and high performance sport to meet with students linked to the Commonwealth and Team Scotland athletes past and present.
Amongst the sports stars there to carry the Baton were Anna Sloan, Curling Olympic bronze medallist; swimming World medallist, Duncan Scott and Ross Murdoch, Glasgow 2014 gold medallist.
The QBR also visited the sportscotland Institute of Sport – meeting the ‘team behind the team’ who are helping to prepare Team Scotland athletes for the Commonwealth Games. There the Baton was led in by David Somerville, Commonwealth Games silver medallist in Judo and member of Team Scotland 2018 general team management.
There was also some ‘home’ support for the Gold Coast 2018 Baton from Mayor Mark Jamieson of Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland, who are hosting the Team Scotland Team Camp ahead of next year’s Games. He enjoyed the opportunity to hear more about the Team’s preparation plans from Mike Whittingham, Director of the sportscotland institute of sport and members of the Team Camp staff.
Welcoming Mayor Jamieson to Scotland, Team Scotland Chef de Mission Jon Doig OBE said: “The key to Team Scotland’s success has always been in our planning and preparation and the Team Camp has always played a vital part in developing our strong team ethos and ensuring everyone is in the best possible shape for the Games.
“We are delighted with the strong partnerships we are developing with Mayor Jamieson and colleagues on the Sunshine Coast. Backed by the excellent support we receive from the sportscotland institute of sport, we are confident that the facilities and environment on the Sunshine Coast and at Twin Waters, will provide the ideal home from home for the athletes as they adjust to the travel, climate, culture and the unique multi-sport environment of the Commonwealth Games.
“With the Games in Australia only seven months away, we are now finalising our plans and everyone is working hard to ensure we can deliver our best ever overseas Games performance.”
Following a successful first two days of its Scotland tour in Glasgow and Islay, the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay headed north, with youth a strong focus in a range of school and community events in Dundee, Angus and Aberdeen.
Ailsa Wylie, Team Scotland Hockey representative at both the Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, began proceedings in her hometown of Dundee as she carried the Baton into Clepington Primary School, a sportscotland gold standard sports award school, to an enthusiastic reception. The excitement stepped up another notch with the appearance of Team Scotland mascot Clyde, who joined pupils for a morning of Australian and Commonwealth themed activities.
Councillor Bill Campbell, at Clepington Primary in his role as Young People’s Champion, said: “This is fantastic for Dundee and it’s fantastic for the school. The kids are all very excited and this is something that they’ll be able to look back on in years to come and say that they were part of. The Queen’s Baton Relay is such a special thing and it keeps the momentum of the Commonwealth Games going by connecting memories of when we had the Games in Scotland a few years ago with the next Games in Australia.”
Next stop for the Baton was the Bon Scott statue in Kirriemuir, celebrating the famous Australian-Scot lead singer of ACDC. To the sounds of the group’s well known music played on the bagpipes, the local community came out to greet the Baton and meet Batonbearer, Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls gold medallist, Darren Burnett.
The presence of the Baton brings Gold Coast 2018 one step closer for athletes, as Team Scotland aims for its best ever medal haul at an overseas Games and Darren is looking to be back on Team Scotland for a shot at repeating his triumph of the Glasgow 2014 Games.
“Glasgow 2014 was so special, not just for the athletes who competed but for everyone in Scotland,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see people out supporting Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Games again today as the Queen’s Baton Relay makes its way around the country. Having the Baton here makes Gold Coast 2018 feel that bit closer and I would love to do Scotland proud with another medal at the Games next April.”
A busy morning over, the Baton was back on the road, this time to Aberdeen Sports Village, where a huge community event incorporating an Australia-themed high tea and a ‘School’s Back’ sports day involving over 1,000 schoolchildren were in full flow. Glasgow 2014 Wrestling medallist, Viorel Etko and multiple Commonwealth Games medallist in Shooting, Neil Stirton, were on hand to inspire the next generation as they tried out a range of Commonwealth Games sports.
Duncan Sinclair, CEO, Aberdeen Sports Village said: “Everyone at ASV had a fantastic time welcoming and celebrating the Queen’s Baton Relay to Aberdeen. ASV is dedicated to offering sporting opportunities for everyone, helping people achieve their very best, so we were absolutely thrilled to be part of such an exciting event warming up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
The finale to the day’s proceedings was a reception at Stirling Castle, hosted by the Scottish Government, to celebrate the success of Team Scotland’s young athletes at the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. The 40-strong team returned with an impressive 21 medals, including eight gold, the best performance by a Scottish team since the 2004 event in Bendigo, Australia where far fewer nations participated. Bahamas 2017 was also the first time the Queen’s Baton had visited a Youth Games as part of its global tour, helping to inspire the next generation of athletes.
The assembled guests welcomed the Queen’s Baton into the Great Hall, carried in by Youth Games flagbearer, boxer Lewis Johnstone. Awards representing the Team Scotland values of Proud, United, Ambitious, Inspirational and Inclusive were presented to athletes by Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Public Health and Sport, and former Scotland Rugby 7s captain, Colin Gregor, who led the team at Bahamas 2017 as General Team Manager.
Swimmer Scot McLay, who became Scotland’s most successful Youth Games athlete in history with three gold, one silver and one bronze at Bahamas 2017, was named as Athlete of the Games.
Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “It is great to see the Queen’s Baton Relay making such an impact up and down the country, with so many people getting the opportunity to touch the Gold Coast 2018 Baton on its global journey. The reception for our Team Scotland athletes, not to mention our mascot Clyde, has been quite overwhelming and hopefully this wave of support will continue to build, up to next year’s Commonwealth Games.
“It was really special to have the Baton here at Stirling Castle tonight as part of our Commonwealth Youth Games celebrations and I am confident that many of these young athletes will be truly inspired to go on and represent Team Scotland at senior level in years to come.”
Minister for Sport, Aileen Campbell said: “It’s great to be able to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Scotland during its journey around the Commonwealth. There has been tremendous enthusiasm across Scotland as the Baton has toured the country, rekindling fond memories of the Games in 2014.
“Scotland hosted the most successful Commonwealth Games ever in Glasgow 2014 and our firm aim is to achieve our best away Games ever in Australia next year.”
A colourful festival of island culture welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay to the Isle of Islay, on the second day of its tour through Scotland, on route to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Bathed in sunshine, the island’s stunning scenery was displayed at its best, as the population turned out in force to welcome the Baton for the first time in its history.
After leaving the plane to the skirl of the pipes, the first stop was Bowmore Primary School where pupils heard about the Baton’s journey around the Commonwealth before treating visitors to a display of music and country dancing, with the Baton passed from dancer to dancer in an energetic ‘Strip the Willow’.
The Baton was then met by Islay High School’s Sports Ambassadors and taken through a sport-themed guard of honour before being paraded down School Street, where schoolchildren from across the island lined the route to Bowmore Distillery.
Greeted by distillery staff in the stillroom, the Baton passed out onto the scenic shore of Loch Indaal before being carried by former Scotland Rugby 7s captain Colin Gregor down to the town square for the main community event of the day. A packed audience enjoyed stirring music from a combined school choir in their first public performance and a rousing display of highland dancing, with the Baton incorporated into a sword dance. After all those present had had their chance to see the Baton up close, it was off for the final stop of the day.
Back on Batonbearer duty, Colin jumped onto the back on a Duffie’s Haulage truck, more used to transporting barrels of whiskey than sporting stars, and the Baton was paraded through the streets to Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (the Columba Centre Islay), its final destination before heading back to the airport.
Veteran of two Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland, including as captain at Glasgow 2014, Colin Gregor was full of praise for the reception from the people of Islay.
It’s been an outstanding response,” he said. It seemed like all 3,000 of the island’s occupants were out to welcome the Baton and celebrate the Commonwealth Games and they’ve created a really great atmosphere to be a part of.
“It’s really special to be chosen to carry the Baton. In the build up to Glasgow 2014 it was a proud moment and off the back of that, in the lead up to Gold Coast, it’s great to be a part of it once again. It’s been fantastic to come to such an awesome wee island and share the experience with them.”
The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) arrived in Scotland today, the 42nd stop on its global tour, ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.
As hosts of the last Games in 2014, Glasgow was the first place to give the Baton a huge warm Scottish welcome, as it visited a range of youth and community projects with a strong focus on Games legacy.
Michael Jamieson, Olympic and Commonwealth silver medallist in swimming, had the honour of being the first Batonbearer when it arrived at the Glasgow School of Sport, accompanied by Louise Martin CBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland. They were greeted by the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP; Councillor Eva Bolander, Lord Provost of Glasgow; Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken and Angela Porter, Director of the Glasgow School of Sport.
Glasgow School of Sport is a hotbed of emerging young talent and has contributed numerous athletes to Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games and Youth Games, including Jamieson and fellow Batonbearer, 16 year old sprinter, Lauren Greig.
Accepting the Baton on behalf of Scotland, Jon Doig OBE, said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is the iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games and we are delighted to welcome the Gold Coast 2018 Baton to Scotland today. We have had tremendous enthusiasm and support from local authorities, schools and community groups across the country, helping to organize an exciting programme of events, using the QBR to connect their communities with the Games and embrace the values of the Commonwealth movement as a whole.
“The public support Team Scotland enjoyed for Glasgow 2014 was phenomenal and I look forward to seeing that passion sparked once again, as the Baton journeys through Scotland this week.”
Welcoming the Baton’s arrival, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Scotland during its journey around the Commonwealth ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“Scotland hosted the most successful Commonwealth Games ever in Glasgow 2014 and we are looking to achieve our best away games ever in Australia next year.
“Bellahouston Academy has a proud record of producing athletes who have gone onto represent Scotland including our hugely successful Youth Commonwealth Games Team who brought back their highest haul of 21 medals from the recent Games in the Bahamas.
“We will continue to invest for the future by creating world-class facilities and providing funding for coaching and training so that, from grassroots to elite, Scotland can be proud of its sporting achievements.”
The presence of the Baton brings Gold Coast 2018 one step closer for athletes, as Team Scotland aims for its best ever medal haul at an overseas Games and Michael Jamieson said: “It is incredible to think that Glasgow 2014 was three years ago and now Scotland’s very best athletes are training hard once again, to qualify for Gold Coast in just eight months-time. Having the Queen’s Baton Relay here this week will spur them on even more and it will also help to get the public behind the team, which is really important.”
Next stop for the Baton was the former Commonwealth Games Village in Dalmarnock, which is now a thriving residential area and then over the new pedestrian cycle and footbridge into South Lanarkshire, for a loop of the Cuningar Woodland Park courtesy of the Bike Town cycling group, celebrating this important 2014 legacy project which is being driven by Clyde Gateway.
Lord Smith of Kelvin, former chair of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and now Chair of Clyde Gateway said: “I was proud to play my part in delivering the most successful ever Commonwealth Games back in 2014, but I am just as proud of the fact that my role with Clyde Gateway is helping to ensure the promises around a lasting and sustainable legacy are being kept.
“The remarkable and eye-catching physical changes in the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen are being matched by a tremendous economic and social regeneration that has made a real difference to the lives of local people and will continue to do so for many more years to come.”
The busy morning concluded with a visit to meet youngsters at the Badminton Scotland ‘Big Hit’ participation event at the Emirates Arena, a 2017 World Badminton Championships initiative. Carrying the Baton and there to inspire the next generation of young players was Commonwealth Games badminton bronze medallist, Susan Egelstaff.
The Baton was then taken the short distance to The Legacy Hub by People’s Development Trust representative John Macaulay for a Dalmarnock community BBQ.
After visits to Team Scotland sponsor, CGI with Batonbearer Para-Sport athlete Meggan Dawson-Farrell, there was a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland at a Common Purpose UK students programme, where discussions took place on what this generation of the Commonwealth can do to make our cities more safe and inclusive by 2030.
The finale to the day’s proceedings was a public event in George Square, where the Depute Lord Provost of Glasgow, Baillie Philip Braat met with Glasgow 2014 Clydesiders, including Batonbearer Izzy Conway and Commonwealth Youth Games boxing gold medallist, Tyler Jolly. The Square also witnessed the first meeting of Bonnie the Seal, the new face of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and the much loved former Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde, who is now fully immersed in his new Team Scotland role.
Reflecting on the excitement in the city today, Councillor Eva Bolander, Lord Provost of Glasgow, said: “It only seems like yesterday that we were welcoming our own Queen’s Baton Relay to the city ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The people of Glasgow were so excited and enthusiastic, and it really was wonderful to see.
“There was a real sense of pride here in Glasgow today as the 2018 Queen’s Baton toured the city, from its welcome to the country by the next generation of elite Scottish athletes at the Glasgow School of Sport, to its visit with the young people participating in legacy events for the 2017 Badminton World Championships, and meeting with one of our fabulous Clydesiders in George Square.
“If the excitement today is any indicator, everyone in the country will be behind the Scottish athletes next April, cheering Team Scotland on as it aims for its best ever overseas medal haul!”
Commonwealth Day celebrations in London today (Monday 13 March) had a distinctly Australian flavour with the official launch of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay on the historic forecourt at Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II heralded the start of the relay, by placing her ‘message to the Commonwealth and its athletes’ into the distinctive loop-design Queen’s Baton which then set off on its journey around the globe.
A key feature of every Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay unites the nations and territories of the Commonwealth and its launch today signalled the start of the official world-wide countdown to the Games next year in Australia. Thousands of baton bearers will carry the Batonon the longest Queen’s Baton Relay in Commonwealth Games history, covering 230,000km over 388 days, as it makes its way through the six Commonwealth regions of Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania, to its final destination, the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) on 4 April 2018.
As it makes its way through Europe, the Baton will be in Scotland this summer between 22-28 August 2017 and the arrival of the Baton on Scottish soil will bring the Games one step closer for athletes and supporters, as Team Scotland aims for its best ever overseas medal haul in the Gold Coast.
An exciting range of celebrations are being planned with a strong youth and sport theme, showcasing our rich heritage, links to Australia and the Commonwealth and Glasgow 2014 legacy. Details of the events will be announced over the coming weeks, but with only five days on the ground compared to the extensive 42 day tour of the country in 2014 as Games hosts, the focus will be on maximising community engagement at events. Clyde, recently adopted as the new Team Scotland mascot, will be front and centre of the programme.
In 2014 the passionate support of the Scottish public spurred Team Scotland’s athletes onto their best Commonwealth Games performance in history at Glasgow 2014 and the Queen’s Baton Relay played a key role in building awareness and support for the team. With the 2018 Games taking place on the other side of the world, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be a fantastic opportunity for the nation to get behind Team Scotland once again and show their support in the lead up to and during the Games.
Attending the event at Buckingham Palace and looking forward to the Baton’s arrival in Scotland five months from now, Paul Bush OBE, Chair, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is an iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games and today’s launch signals the official world-wide countdown to the start of Gold Coast 2018. We look forward to welcoming the Baton to Scotland in August, with the celebrations marking a fantastic opportunity for our local communities, schools and athletes to engage with the Games on a personal level.
“The support Team Scotland had for Glasgow 2014 was phenomenal and I look forward to seeing that passion again later this year. I hope everyone the length and breadth of the country will get behind the team and play their part in supporting Scotland’s athletes as they prepare to compete with distinction on the other side of the world.”
Ahead of the landmark celebrations in London and in the spirit of the ’Friendly Games’, Gold Coast mascot ‘Borobi’ visited Glasgow last week and hooked up with Clyde, Games organisers and Scottish track and field star Eilidh Doyle, to find out what made the 2014 Games such a huge success.
The double Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Eilidh Doyle said: “I can’t quite believe that the next Commonwealth Games is just over a year away. Glasgow 2014 was amazing in every way and being the very first person to carry the Queen’s Baton when it crossed the border from England to Scotland was extremely special.
“It will be fantastic to see the Gold Coast 2018 Baton in Scotland in August and it will certainly spur on all the athletes, including myself, to book their place on Team Scotland and on the plane to Gold Coast. Being part of Team Scotland is a unique experience and the only time we get to represent our country at a multi-sport Games. The public support means so much to us and certainly played a huge part in the Team’s success in Glasgow and it would be great if everyone can get behind Team Scotland once again.”
The day also included visits to challenge youngsters at Caledonia Primary School (recently awarded Gold Sport Award status by sportscotland) to an ‘Aussie style’ dance-off, before meeting gymnasts from the City of Glasgow club at the iconic ‘Big G’, relocated to Glasgow Green. The day concluded with a tour of some of the Glasgow 2014 Games venues to meet prospective Team Scotland athletes and wish them well in their quest for selection for the Gold Coast 2018 Games.
With 500 days until the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games open, it has been announced that Queen’s Baton will embark on the longest and most accessible relay in Commonwealth Games history, arriving in Scotland in August 2017.
Leaving London on Commonwealth Day, 13 March 2017, the Baton will cover 230,000km over 388 days, as it makes its way through the six Commonwealth regions of Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania. For the first time, the Baton will be present at the Commonwealth Youth Games, which take place in Nassau, Bahamas from 19-23 July 2017.
One of the most iconic symbols of the Commonwealth Games, the distinctive loop design revealed by Gold Coast 2018 organisers today, will be the centerpiece of the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR), a Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sport and culture to come.
Designed for each Games by the host nation, the Queen’s Baton bears a personal message to the athletes of the Commonwealth from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is carried by thousands of batonbearers on a journey from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony of the Games.
The 2018 Queen’s Baton, made using macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic sourced from Gold Coast waterways, and inspired by the region’s vibrant spirit and indigenous heritage, will finally land on Australian soil in December 2017. The Baton will then spend 100 days travelling through Australia, finishing its journey at the Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018, where the message will be removed from the Baton and read aloud by Her Majesty or a representative.
Commonwealth Games Federation President, Louise Martin CBE said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is a much-loved Games tradition – an epic journey that unites the cultures and communities of our diverse and dynamic Commonwealth. One single Baton passes between thousands of young people and communities across many terrains and time zones – carrying and protecting Her Majesty’s message to the athletes and citizens of the Commonwealth.
“We hope as many people as possible get to hold or celebrate the baton as we bring a piece of the Games to every participating nation and territory in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
The Baton will travel through Scotland from 22-28 August 2017, with Commonwealth Games Scotland responsible for selecting the inspiring individuals who will act as batonbearers. Plans are already underway for an exciting programme of events and a chance for supporters to getbehind Team Scotland in the lead up to the Games. More details will be announced in due course.
In 2014, athlete Eilidh Doyle had the honour of bringing the Queen’s Baton into Scotland after a handover with twice Olympic and three time Commonwealth decathlon champion Daley Thompson on Coldstream Bridge.
“It was an honour to be a baton bearer, but to be the first in Scotland and to actually bring the baton over the border was something really special’” she said.
“It was also incredible to have the baton handed over by Daley Thompson who is such an athletics legend. It definitely felt like the Games had begun at that moment and it just made me so excited about what was to come. The Queen’s Baton Relay definitely signals the start of the Games.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chair, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is an important part of the journey for each Commonwealth Games and provided so many memories in the lead up to Glasgow 2014. The Baton arriving in Scotland in August 2017 marks a fantastic opportunity for our local communities, schools and athletes to engage with the Games which will take place on the other side of the world.
“The support Team Scotland had for Glasgow 2014 was phenomenal and I look forward to seeing that passion again as the Queen’s Baton travels through Scotland next year.”
It has been proudly carried through the length and breadth of the Commonwealth sharing the warmth and friendship of Glasgow and Scotland with some of the world’s most diverse communities. Early this morning (Saturday, June 14) in a touching ceremony in the Border town of Coldstream, the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton is to return to Scotland, marking the final straight of a 100,000-mile epic journey and the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
After 248 days visiting 69 nations and territories, the baton is set to be passed across the border by legendary triple Commonwealth gold medallist Daley Thompson to Team Scotland star Eilidh Child. Arriving with local Ghillie Brendan Lough along the River Tweed in a traditional fishing boat rowed by adventurer and broadcaster Mark Beaumont, the Queen’s Baton will be welcomed home with a guard of honour of local children, holding flags of the Commonwealth, along the historic Coldstream Bridge.
The handover moment is to be marked simply by BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Robyn Stapleton performing ‘Here’s to our Common Wealth’, a specially-commissioned song for the Queen’s Baton Relay as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. The Coldstream Pipe Band will also participate in the celebrations.
Daley and Eilidh are past and present stars of Commonwealth sport. Team Scotland Track and field star Eilidh gained silver at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and will be going for Gold in front of a home crowd in Hampden is just a few weeks’ time. Team England decathlete Daley Thompson is a triple Commonwealth Gold medallist, clinching his final Gold the last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Scotland, in Edinburgh in 1986. He’s half-Scottish, the son of a Scottish mother and Nigerian father.
Special guests due to take part in the historic occasion include Glasgow 2014 Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin KT, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh, Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights, Helen Grant MP, UK Minister for Sport, Cllr Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council as well as hundreds of local residents who are expected to line the streets to see the Baton paraded to Henderson Park.
For the next 40 days, the Baton will visit more than 400 Scottish communities and be carried by more than 4,000 batonbearers being recognised for their inspiration, hard work and impact on the lives of others. The baton’s final destination will be the Opening Ceremony where Her Majesty the Queen will read the special message contained inside the baton.
This morning’s batonbearers will include Team Scotland wheelchair racing talent Sammi Kinghorn (17) and David Laing (70), from Kelso, a champion volunteer for tennis in the Scottish Borders with more than five decades of contribution to sport under his belt.
Other batonbearers in Coldstream today will include 91 year-old ice-skating teacher Bill Watt, who has been coaching children since 1964, and continues to inspire youngsters locally.
Entertainment for spectators along the route and at Henderson Park will include junk-percussion sensation Trash Arts, local troupe Coldstream Community Theatre Group, the Burns Society, the poetry crowd-pleaser force Q-poetics, brand new act Commonwealth Youth Circus, Hands Up For Trad as part of Big Big Sing, traditional music from Scottish Borders’ young talent Small Hall Band, and Coldstream cover band Guilty Pleasures. This is an opportunity for everyone to join in the relay on a great morning out. Broadcasters Jenni Falconer and Fred Macaulay will be hosting the morning’s programme of events on stage.
Following this morning’s celebrations in Coldstream, the baton will travel to Edinburgh for a packed programme of engagement and visits to iconic locations including Edinburgh Castle and 1986 Commonwealth Games venues, the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Meadowbank Stadium.
The route of the Queen’s Baton Relay has been developed to share the excitement of Scotland’s countdown to the Commonwealth Games with as many people as possible.
For the first time in the history of any relay, all 545 secondary schools in Scotland were invited to nominate a pupil to participate as a batonbearer.
Community batonbearers have been selected by independent panels, who have considered people’s achievements against the odds, their mentoring of young people, contributions to community and youth sport, and those who make a difference through volunteering and community support.
The relay will reflect the important role of sport by visiting schools, sporting facilities and leisure centres, encouraging communities to get behind Team Scotland, get involved with the Games and use its profile to get more people participating in sport.
The events in Colstream were made possible thanks to the extensive support and collaboration of local community groups and Scottish Borders Council.
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman for Commonwealth Games Scotland said:
“The first day of the Queen’s Baton Relay signifies the final countdown to the Games, and when it is handed from England to Scotland we will begin our final journey to Glasgow. The relay is an opportunity for people across the country to get out and show their support for the Games and for Team Scotland, and we are very proud to be a part of it. Athletes, past and present will carry the baton in all 32 local authorities and we will look to harness the passion and excitement from this weekend, right through until the end of the Games.”
Thousands of people will today (Monday 31 March, 2014) learn they are carrying the Queen’s Baton, a thank-you from communities all across Scotland to the extraordinary individuals who make a positive difference to the lives of others.
Up to 4,000 batonbearers from all 32 Local Authorities will join the relay in more than 400 communities for 40 days, in what is the most engaging relay the nation has ever seen.
Thousands of people will be notified by email on whether their nominations have been successful.
For the first time in the history of any relay, all 545 secondary schools in Scotland were invited to nominate a pupil to participate as a batonbearer.
Community batonbearers have been selected by independent panels, who have considered people’s achievements against the odds, their mentoring of young people, contributions to community and youth sport, and those who make a difference through volunteering and community support.
The Queen’s Baton journey has been developed to share the excitement of Scotland’s countdown to the Commonwealth Games with as many people as possible.
The relay will reflect the important role of sport by visiting schools, sporting facilities and leisure centres, encouraging communities to get behind Team Scotland, get involved with the Games and use its profile to get more people participating in sport.
On 23 July, the message Her Majesty placed in the baton will be read at the Opening Ceremony.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is the world’s most engaging relay, a unique tradition of the Games that unites the two billion citizens of the Commonwealth in a celebration of sport, diversity and peace. It will travel over 190,000 kilometres through 69 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, before arriving in Scotland on 14 June.
Those nominees who have not been successful will have the opportunity to be a part of the relay by attending the vast programme of sports and cultural events taking place along the route.
Community and schools batonbearers include:
Community batonbearer Linda Anderson-Kerr (55), from Oban.
Linda has been nominated for her volunteering work with Distance Highland Befrienders, supporting people who live in remote and rural areas, and who experience mental health issues or have dementia. Reacting to her successful nomination, Linda said:
“When I found out I was to be a batonbearer I was quite overcome to be honest, it’s a great honour. The Queen’s Baton symbolises the coming together of Commonwealth Nations. My volunteering work is about community inclusiveness and trying to stop isolation, and so, on some level, it’s parallel to what the Queen’s Baton is all about. To be chosen is just amazing; it’s a bit of history I’m getting to be a wee part of.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh said:
“The athletes striving to be selected for Team Scotland will be truly inspired by the determination, courage and selflessness shown by all the selected batonbearers in different walks of Scottish life, and their commitment to helping others. It is fantastic that they are being recognised and rewarded with a coveted place in Scotland’s leg of the Queens Baton Relay and we thank them for their enthusiasm and support. We are confident the Queen’s Baton Relay will get the whole country behind the Games and Team Scotland in particular, as we collectively make our final journey to Glasgow 2014.”
Glasgow 2014 today (Monday 17 March) revealed the list of Scotland’s villages, towns and cities which will welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay.
The Queen’s Baton Relay provides a great opportunity for the Scottish public to celebrate community sport and get behind local athletes who will represent Team Scotland.
The baton will visit over 400 communities, offering people across the nation a chance to be a part of the excitement, celebrations and countdown to Scotland’s biggest-ever sporting and cultural festival, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and show their support for the home team.
The relay will reflect the important role of sport by visiting schools, sporting facilities and leisure centres, encouraging communities to get behind Team Scotland, get involved with the Games and using its profile to get more people participating in sport.
From the spires of Edinburgh to the peaks of the Highlands, from Scottish Borders’ woodlands to island beaches, the baton will travel across all 32 Local Authorities in the nation before it reaches Glasgow, its final destination.
Brae, in the Shetland Islands, is the farthest northern village on the baton’s journey, and Kirkcudbright, in Dumfries and Galloway, the southernmost point on the relay’s route.
Communities will be celebrating in extraordinary and unique ways. More than 60 schoolchildren will travel from the Island of Unst, a two-ferry journey to the Shetland mainland, to join the relay in the village of Brae. For the first time in the history of a relay, people across the length of the Outer Hebrides, from Castlebay in Barra to the most northerly point at Butt of Lewis lighthouse, will be able to join celebrations across five different events along the route.
The 40-day journey of the baton will cover 8,000 kilometres, showcasing the nation’s most-iconic landmarks and culture.
World-famous sights such as the Forth Bridge and Loch Ness feature on the baton’s journey, as well as The Kelpies, Falkirk’s 30 metre-high dazzling horse head sculptures.
Scotland’s rich heritage takes centre stage when the baton visits Skara Brae in the Orkney Isles and travels along the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands.
Sporting highlights on the route include visits to Melrose, the home of Rugby Sevens, Knockhill’s Racing Circuit, a visit to Team Scotland’s training camp at the University of Stirling and a stop at St Andrew’s Old Course, the home of golf.
The baton will take part in one of Scotland’s favourite festivities, as it steps forward for a Ceilidh in Dundee.
Further highlights on the baton’s journey through Scotland, as well as street level details and full programme of events, will be announced nearer the time.
On 31 March thousands of people will find out whether their nominations to become batonbearers have been successful.
When it arrives in Scotland on 14 June, the baton will have been on 248-day global epic journey through all other 69 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
On 23 July, the message Her Majesty placed in the baton will be read at the Opening Ceremony.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is the world’s most engaging relay, a unique tradition of the Games that unites the two billion citizens of the Commonwealth in a celebration of sport, diversity and peace. It will travel over 190,000 kilometres through 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
Announcing the full list of communities on the baton’s journey, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh said:
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is the ultimate symbol of the Commonwealth Games and its arrival in Scotland will be an important signal to both the athletes and the public that the Games are just around the corner.
The baton’s journey through the country is the ideal opportunity for people to celebrate community sport and show support for their local athletes selected to represent Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014. We hope everyone the length and breadth of the country will get behind the team and play their part in what is going to be an amazing home Games!”
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said:
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people across Scotland to celebrate what’s extraordinary and unique about their communities, and honour those locals who make a difference to others. The baton is visiting hundreds of villages, towns and cities, with thousands taking part in the relay, and many more attending the vast programme of sports and cultural events along the route. With less than three months to go until the baton comes home to Scotland, the momentum is building up for the biggest festival of sport and culture this nation has ever hosted”.
Download: Queen’s Baton Relay – Factsheet