Bollywood send-off for Glasgow 2014 Games baton

BAGPIPES met Bollywood as crowds yesterday gathered at Glasgow Airport for the Commonwealth Games baton relay.

The baton will travel around the world – across 70 nations and territories and more than 120,000 miles – over 248 days.

First it is going to India, the host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games – hence the send-off in which Indian dancers from the Desi Bravehearts joined forces with piper Johnny Gauld, while passengers gathered alongside a red carpet leading to the Emirates check-in desk.

The baton came from Stirling, where a campaign was yesterday launched to find 4,000 Scottish bearers for the final 40 days of the relay in Scotland. It was carried up the red carpet by Louise Martin, honorary secretary of the Commonwealth Games, and is due to arrive in Delhi today.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: ‘It is a proud moment to see the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton take to the skies to begin its momentous journey around the Commonwealth.’

The baton – which started on its way on Wednesday from Buckingham Palace – was being accompanied to Delhi by Scottish i nternational development minister Humza Yousaf.

Meanwhile, more than 70 Scots schools will today launch their own relay today, using a baton designed by 14-year-old Glasgow pupil Liam Doherty.