King's Baton Relay Begins Scottish Leg in Glasgow
Team Scotland swimmer Duncan Scott carried the King's Baton to the banks of the River Clyde, where he was welcomed by Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney.
The King's Baton Relay has commenced its final leg in Scotland in anticipation of the Commonwealth Games opening later this month.
Unlike traditional relays that involve a single baton traveling through all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, this year each competing team received its own baton to decorate.
Team Scotland's baton, designed by woodcarving artist Annie Graham, will journey from the Team Scotland camp in Glasgow to over 50 events across the country.
First Minister John Swinney remarked that the Games, starting on 23 July, would "showcase Scotland's love of sport to the world."
The baton relay marks the 18th official Commonwealth Games relay and serves as a prelude to the sporting competition.
Scotland's baton is crafted from three interlocking pieces of sustainably sourced ash wood, a hardwood native to Scotland.
Duncan Scott, Team Scotland's swimmer, transported the baton by powerboat along the River Clyde.
The 29-year-old athlete, Scotland's most decorated Commonwealth Games competitor, was greeted by First Minister John Swinney and Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren.
Commonwealth Games mascots Clyde and Finnie also participated in the celebrations.
Scott expressed his honour at carrying 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.
"I love representing Team GB in British swimming but it's always pretty special to put the Scotland kit on and represent Team Scotland."
Scotland's 'Global Brand' and Hosting the 2026 Games
Glasgow was selected as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the Australian state of Victoria, originally scheduled to host, withdrew due to rising costs.
The agreement was finalized following support from the Scottish government and a £2.3 million investment commitment from the Victoria state administration.
The event will feature a streamlined program with athletes competing in 10 sports.
Organizers have stated that the Games will incur no cost to the Scottish public purse, with funding sourced from compensation paid by the Commonwealth Games Federation after Australia's withdrawal.
The UK government will provide financial support if there is an increased security threat but has clarified it will not fully underwrite the Games.
First Minister John Swinney noted that attention is shifting to the Games following Scotland's exit from the World Cup, where the Tartan Army had "captured the hearts of millions."
"Glasgow 2026 is 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."
He added,
"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."
He emphasized the role of the King's Baton Relay in spreading enthusiasm for the Games throughout Scotland.
"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."
