Commonwealth Games baton relay begins Scottish leg in Glasgow

The King's baton relay has begun its final leg in Scotland ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening later this month.

Traditionally the relay would involve a single baton being transported through all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories - but this year, each team competing was given its own baton to decorate.

Team Scotland's was designed by woodcarving artist Annie Graham and will travel from the Team Scotland camp in Glasgow to more than 50 events across the country.

First Minister John Swinney said the Games, which begin on 23 July, would "showcase Scotland's love of sport to the world".

The baton relay is the 18th official Commonwealth Games relay and acts as a curtain-raiser for the sporting contest.

Scotland's baton is made of three interlocking pieces of sustainability sourced ash - a hardwood that grows throughout Scotland.

It was carried by Team Scotland swimmer Duncan Scott who sailed up the River Clyde earlier on a power boat.

The 29-year-old, who is Scotland's most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete, was greeted by the first minister and Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren.

Commonwealth Games mascots Clyde and Finnie also joined the celebration.

Scott said it was a "privilege" to carry the King's Baton in Glasgow, following in the footsteps of his father Nigel who carried the Queen's Baton at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He said: "I love representing Team GB in British swimming but it's always pretty special to put the Scotland kit on and represent Team Scotland."

Glasgow was announced as the host of the 2026 Games after the Australian state of Victoria - which had been due to host - withdrew over rising costs.

The deal was secured after the Scottish government agreed to back it and the Victoria state administration promised a £2.3m investment.

A slimmed-down version of the tournament will see athletes compete in 10 sports.

Organisers have said the Games will come at no cost to the Scottish public purse, with funding coming from compensation paid to the Commonwealth Games Federation after the Australians pulled out.

The UK government will provide financial support in the event of any increased security threat but has said it will not completely underwrite the Games.

The first minister said attention was turning to the Games following Scotland's exit from the World Cup, where the Tartan Army had "captured the hearts of millions".

He said Glasgow 2026 was "an exciting opportunity to build on our global brand and show the world what a fantastic place Scotland is to live, work, study and do business in, and to visit".

"We want the legacy of this summer of sport – the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Glasgow 2026 and the women's hockey and cricket team world cup campaigns – to stretch far beyond the next few months," Swinney said.

"The King's Baton Relay will carry the excitement of the Commonwealth Games to every corner of Scotland.

"We are supporting free events across the country to mark this and I want everyone to come along, get active and be part of something truly special."