Commonwealth Countdown Begins

The countdown to the Commonwealth Games has begun as Scotland prepares to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay.

It'll arrive in Edinburgh one month today, after spending 248 days travelling through more than 60 countries around the globe.

The titanium cylinder contains a message from the Queen written on a parchment scroll, which will be read at the Opening Ceremony on 23 July.

The final leg around Scotland will see it visit 400 communities in 40 days, carried by 4,000 baton-bearers.

That'll coincide with a programme of events around the country.

Games For Scotland is part of the Scottish Government's efforts to encourage children and families to get involved with sports and create a legacy from the Glasgow 2014 event - but it will also include cultural celebrations.

Commonwealth Games Secretary Shona Robinson said: “Games for Scotland is a fantastic programme to get individuals and groups across all 32 local authorities involved in physical and cultural activities in the build-up to the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer. The events will give people of all abilities the chance to try their hand at some of the 17 Commonwealth Games sports – and we might even discover some young stars of the future through it.

“We are securing a legacy for Scotland that will last long after the curtain falls on the closing ceremony in August. Games for Scotland is one of a number of programmes that are already encouraging people up and down the country to live a more active and healthy lifestyle. With Games for Scotland events taking place in every local authority between June 14 and July 22, there’s no excuse not to get involved. Even the smallest steps can make a change and I would urge everyone to give it a go.”

In Fife, events will take place at Falkland Palace and in St Andrews.

17-year-old Judd Clark has been chosen to carry the baton on behalf of Auchmuty High School: