Crowds in West Lothian welcomed the Queen’s Baton yesterday as the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games edged closer.
Derek Marshall of Linlithgow Kayak Racing was among those who carried the baton as it made its way through Scotland after a 248-day journey around the Commonwealth.
One hundred hand-picked baton-bearers will lead the relay through the county with a programme of events held in each town to celebrate.
The official countdown to the Glasgow 2014 games started when triple Commonwealth gold medallist Daley Thompson passed the baton to Team Scotland athlete Eilidh Child at the border at Coldstream.
Before its arrival in Scotland the baton had visited 69 nations and territories around the Commonwealth on a 100,000-mile journey.
Its final destination will be the opening ceremony in Glasgow on July 23 where the Queen will read the special message contained inside.
The three-day north-east route for the relay, starting from June 29, was announced by organisers earlier this month.
Celebrations will start in Stonehaven at 7.30am when the baton will leave Dunnottar Castle.
Events will be held in a number of towns and villages as the baton passes through with large celebrations to be held at Peterhead’s Catto Park and Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen.
Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said the baton’s visit and the games themselves promised to be spectacular occasions.