Assurances have been given that Peterhead will be at the forefront of Commonwealth Games celebrations after claims the town was “snubbed” in one of the highlights of the event.
Retired teacher Stephen Calder, 60, said he was disappointed to learn that the Queen’s Baton would not pass through the centre of Peterhead when it reaches the north-east next month.
However, Aberdeenshire has said the town will be one of the “main features” of the route with an evening celebration being held at Lord Catto Park.
Mr Calder has now called on Aberdeenshire Council – which organised the relay’s route in the area – to rethink its plans and bring the torch into the town centre.
He said: “I would like to know why council officials decided to snub Peterhead town centre.
“It can’t possibly be for reason of time – it would only add at most 10 minutes for the relay to pass through and showcase our historic precinct.
“Woodhill House should be reminded that Peterhead is the largest town in the Shire and shouldn’t be regarded as an embarrassment.”
However, the council has rejected claims it has neglected the town.
A spokesman said it has gone to an extra effort to choose the best route possible, as well as organising a special event on the day.
An Aberdeenshire spokesman said: “A route that could easily accommodate a 10-vehicle convoy needed to be used and the one chosen achieves this.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a great opportunity to showcase Peterhead and the fact that the final leg in Aberdeenshire culminates in the town is a great boon for the area.
“A large-scale celebration event is being held at Catto Park which will offer good access and the opportunity for maximum involvement of the whole community.”
Aberdeenshire Council also plans a legacy programme to continue after the Games.
The celebrations will begin in Aberdeenshire on June 29, with the Queen’s Baton Relay starting in Stonehaven and arriving in Peterhead after making its way through 11 towns along the way.
The baton will then head back south through Aberdeen on June 30.