Countdown To The Commonwealth Games

Queen's Baton Relay arrives in Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP is preparing to welcome the Queen's Baton as it arrives in Scotland and passes through Holyrood. It has passed through more than 60 nations, travelled more than 190,000 kilometres and been carried by over 10,000 people.

The Presiding Officer will be joined in the Debating Chamber at Holyrood by Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings and Edinburgh-based batonbearer Lynne McNicoll, who will hand the baton to Caitlin Osborne, the next batonbearer in this extraordinary relay. Members of the public will be able to see the baton in the Chamber before it travels later that day to Meadowbank Stadium and beyond.

Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said:

"On its first day in Scotland, I am delighted to welcome the baton into the very heart of Holyrood, our Debating Chamber. It is only fitting that as Scotland welcomes the Queen’s Baton Relay for the first time it uniquely travels through our nation's Parliament."

Accompanied by the Presiding Officer, the baton will be carried through the Parliament by Lynne McNicoll and Caitlin Osborne. Lynne has raised thousands of pounds for children affected by cancer through her charity 'It's Good 2 Give', whilst Caitlin has completed three marathons for charity at the age of just 22 and has volunteered in Zimbabwe, teaching young children sport.

The baton will enter Holyrood through the oldest part of the campus at the Queensberry House entrance, before travelling through the Garden Lobby. Here, the Big Song Relay Choir will perform a song specially commissioned for the Queen’s Baton Relay. The baton will then be taken into the Debating Chamber.

The Presiding Officer continued:

"Throughout the Baton Relay, the excitement and anticipation for the Commonwealth Games has been building. This is certain to continue as the baton travels across Scotland. The eyes of the world will be on us as we welcome some of the world’s best athletes. I wish them all well as they compete in Glasgow and I look forward to what I know will be an exceptional Games."