Thousands of cheering supporters turned out to watch as the Queen’s Baton Relay passed through Aberdeenshire yesterday.
With the Commonwealth Games now just three weeks away, people of all ages wanted to catch a glimpse of the symbol as it was carried through the region, stopping in a dozen towns and villages.
Spectators waved flags, cheered and took photographs as the baton was passed among some of the north-east’s top sporting ambassadors.
Even an early Sunday morning start failed to deter the crowds from lining the streets of Stonehaven to wait as the baton made its way from Dunnottar Castle to the open air swimming pool.
Before the procession left the castle, Provost Jill Webster said: “There has been a keen sense of excitement building for weeks and people are eager to join the celebrations.
“This is a historic day for Aberdeenshire and our chance to play a part in a truly global event.”
She also promised baton-holders a “rousing welcome” wherever they went – and she was not wrong.
Even the police bikers who led the procession were greeted by whoops of delight as they rode by with a blast of their sirens.
Caroline Walker, of Newtonhill, carried the baton in Inverurie in recognition of her dedication to netball.
The 58-year-old, who coaches Newtonhill Netball Club and is a tutor for Netball Scotland, said she was “buzzing” after playing her part in the countdown to the games – where she will be a voluntary team leader.
The mother-of-two said: “I just love netball so much, it’s like I’ve been rewarded for something I really enjoying doing – it was fantastic.
“I was really looking forward to it but I don’t think I really realised what a great experience it would be. It was great to have family and friends there and also people that you don’t know at all lining the streets and cheering.
“It helps raise the profile of sports and what it can do for people.”
Brian Hendry, 58, who was part of the relay team for his home town in Stonehaven, said it had been a “wonderful” experience.
The qualified swimming timekeeper, judge and referee said he was thrilled that his leg of the relay had taken him to the open air pool and down to the beach.
A record number of young people also took a turn in carrying the baton, after games organisers asked all 545 secondary schools in Scotland to nominate a pupil to take part.
One of those students was Kade Spencer from Inverurie Academy. The 16-year-old was nominated in recognition of his dedication to martial arts.
Afterwards, he said: “I was honoured when I found out I would be carrying it.
“It was very exciting, it was something I’ll never forget.”
In Deeside, the Banchory Singers helped keep spirits up, despite the rain, as they entertained the crowd until the arrival of the relay.
After passing through Dunecht, Kintore, Port Elphinstone and Inverurie, the baton made its way to Oldmeldrum where it was greeted enthusiastically by young players from Mackie and Ellon rugby clubs who lined up outside the entrance to the academy and shook their flags frantically.
They also showed off their skills to families, friends and spectators before the baton began its journey towards Turriff.
It arrived there just before 2pm and was taken through the town centre while hundreds of families – and the iconic Turra Coo statue – looked on.
It was then on to Banff where the relay was picked up by, among others, Forres man Colin Youngson, who took part in the 1970 baton relay.
Mr Youngson, who has won the Scottish marathon three times, was cheered on by residents who lined the streets.
From Banff’s Buchan Street, it was a quick trip across the water to neighbouring Macduff.
The baton, carried by Kay Copland, was taken into the town’s harbour by the local lifeboat crew.
Among the runners at Macduff was inspirational fundraiser Harry Watson.
The 59-year-old from Peterhead, who has learning difficulties, was nominated to run with the baton because of his sterling charity work for Inspire and Children In Need.
The baton then continued along the Buchan coast to Fraserburgh, where it was again met with cheering crowds.
Local woman Doreen Mair, who led the Fissh campaign to raise funds for the town’s recently-opened £8million swimming pool complex, was among 12 runners who carried the baton through the town.
It was taken to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and the new pool before heading on to Mintlaw.
One of the seven runners who carried the baton through the village was champion cyclist Zak Loney, a member of the Scottish Junior Development Squad.
The Mintlaw stage of the relay was the last in Aberdeenshire before a spectacular closing ceremony at Peterhead.